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

Compared with today’s start-stop systems, seatbelt alarms and constant sensor beeping, perhaps a musical door chime, an adventurous grille and a few outrageous fins were not the worst ideas after all. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

While the two keep drinking and wait for a rare lunar event, old grievances, outrageous escapades, and macho rivalries explode to the surface. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 June 2026

Combined with high gas prices, outrageous dry-cleaning bills, and the hour spent getting ready to look younger, an office job demands four hours of unpaid, stressful labor daily just to reach a cubicle. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026

One of the goals that secured Scotland’s place at the World Cup was an outrageous McTominay bicycle kick, in a 4–2 victory against Denmark last November. — Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 16 June 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