sticker shock

noun

: astonishment and dismay experienced on being informed of a product's unexpectedly high price

Examples of sticker shock in a Sentence

We left the store suffering severe sticker shock.

Recent Examples on the Web And some local officials are experiencing sticker shock as bills come due in January. —

Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 8 July 2024 Guests can opt into the all-inclusive package to save themselves the sticker shock of the restaurant menu prices, which are considerably higher than other places on the island. —

Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2024 Fast-food sticker shock: Diners may be retreating from the drive-thru Industry data suggest diners may be retreating from the drive-thru. —

Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 30 May 2024 After that sticker shock, Fourth of July grillers got a break on the bill last summer. —

Matt Egan, CNN, 3 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for sticker shock

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sticker shock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sticker shock was in 1981

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sticker shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sticker%20shock. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

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