Dictionary
costly
adjective cost·ly \ˈkȯs(t)-lē\
: having a high price : costing a lot
: causing people to lose something or to suffer
cost·li·ercost·li·est
Full Definition of COSTLY
1
2
: made or done at heavy expense or sacrifice <a costly mistake>
— cost·li·ness noun
See costly defined for English-language learners
See costly defined for kids
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First Known Use of COSTLY
14th century
Related to COSTLY
- Synonyms
- big-ticket, dear, expensive, extravagant, high, high-end, high-ticket, precious, premium, priceless, pricey (also pricy), spendy [chiefly Northwest], ultraexpensive, valuable
- Antonyms
- cheap, inexpensive
Other Economics Terms
Rhymes with COSTLY
COSTLY Defined for Kids
costly
adjective cost·ly \ˈkȯst-lē\
cost·li·ercost·li·est
Definition of COSTLY for Kids
1
: having a high price or value : expensive
2
: causing loss or suffering <a costly mistake>
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