extravagance

noun

ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstra-vi-gən(t)s 

1

a

: an instance of excess or prodigality

specifically : an excessive outlay of money

b

: something extravagant

A new car is an extravagance we can't afford.

2

: the quality or fact of being extravagant

the extravagance of the decorations

Synonyms of extravagance

• lavishness
• generosity
• wastefulness
• prodigality
• extravagancy
• profusion

Examples of extravagance in a Sentence

The reorganization of the department was aimed at reducing extravagance.

That coat is an extravagance that you can't afford.

Going to the play will be our one extravagance for this vacation.

I was shocked by the extravagance of their lifestyle.

The church is known for the extravagance of its architecture.

Recent Examples on the Web

Here’s a good story by Madeline Coleman on the extravagance of it all. —Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 3 May 2026

The rooms The hotel’s 295 rooms and suites strike a balance between playful extravagance and more refined comfort. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026

It’s packed with innovation and extravagance and black-tone extras, wheels to roof. —James Raia, Mercury News, 1 May 2026

Even for those ambivalent to the races, the Mansion is prized for its privacy and extravagance. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

extravagance

noun

ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstrav-i-gən(t)s 

1

a

: the wasteful or careless spending of money

b

: something that is extravagant

2

: the quality or fact of being extravagant