outrageous

adjective

out·​ra·​geous (ˌ)au̇t-ˈrā-jəs 

1

a

: exceeding the limits of what is usual

The outrageous weather we have been afflicted with …

—New Yorker

outrageous prices

b

: not conventional or matter-of-fact : fantastic

outrageous costumes

an outrageous tale

2

: violent, unrestrained

outrageous behavior

3

a

: going beyond all standards of what is right or decent

an outrageous disregard of human rights

b

: deficient in propriety (see propriety sense 2a) or good taste

outrageous language

outrageous manners

outrageously adverb

outrageousness noun

Examples of outrageous in a Sentence

They will be punished for their outrageous behavior.

This is outrageous! I will not put up with such treatment.

She's known for her wild hairdos and outrageous costumes.

At first it seemed like an outrageous idea, but then we realized that it wasn't so crazy after all.

The article makes some outrageous claims about her personal life.

Recent Examples on the Web

Replacing the starter after one game would be outrageous for most franchises, but in this instance, the fact that Watson won the job at all is the outrageous part. — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

The answer involves a legendary designer, an Italian coachbuilder, a very wealthy American dream, a 16-year restoration, and a car that was apparently too outrageous even for Cadillac's golden age. — New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026

The movie progresses in ambitious, even political directions — Closing Night is no ordinary, outrageous family drama. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Pearce is restrained but powerful as the ultra-conservative Murdoch who is uncomfortable with some of Lamb’s more outrageous tactics. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for outrageous

• advantageous
• contagious
• courageous
• disadvantageous

Kids Definition

outrageous

adjective

out·​ra·​geous au̇t-ˈrā-jəs 

: extremely annoying, insulting, or shameful : shocking

outrageously adverb

outrageousness noun

Legal Definition

outrageous

adjective

out·​ra·​geous au̇t-ˈrā-jəs 

: going beyond standards of decency : utterly intolerable in a civilized society

outrageous conduct

outrageously adverb

outrageousness noun