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

• 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

Thorpe is a braggart whose own extravagance is bolstered by imagining everyone else to be immensely wealthy. —Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025

While people have different definitions for luxury, the word typically elicits extravagance, grandeur, and exclusivity. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025

The spread narrows complacency at the low end and caps extravagance above, preserving budget integrity while honing in on operating margin expansion. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Sophomore Marissa demanded a little less extravagance, funk and flair for her second-year room, which is in a slightly less flexible space. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

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