Costly

The word 'costly' describes something that involves a significant expense, either in terms of money, time, effort, or emotional toll. It implies a high price or a considerable sacrifice. It can refer to material possessions, actions, or abstract concepts. The impact of something deemed 'costly' extends beyond a simple financial burden, encompassing the overall value exchange and potential consequences. It frequently implies a value that isn't always perceived as immediately beneficial, where potential risks or losses often accompany it.

Costly meaning with examples

• The renovations to their historic house proved to be incredibly costly. While the final result was beautiful, they significantly exceeded the initial budget, requiring them to take out a second mortgage and delay other personal goals. They hadn't anticipated the discovery of the rot, and this became the most expensive, and time-consuming, part of the whole process. They eventually accepted the costly compromises.
• Investing in the stock market can be a costly endeavor, especially for those new to it. The initial investment is only the first expense. Trading fees, potential tax liabilities, and the risk of losing the investment capital all contribute to the cost. Those inexperienced investors must balance risk and benefit from what they learn as they pursue their own costly gains.
• The war resulted in a costly loss of life, leaving many families bereaved. The resources used to fight the war placed a huge burden on all involved. The economic damage extended far past the actual battle and into the infrastructure and society as a whole. The impact would be felt for generations and would prove to be the costliest event in modern history.
• Maintaining a lavish lifestyle can be very costly. From luxury cars and expansive houses to expensive vacations and designer clothes, the constant financial drain can be significant. The expense can be damaging to one's long-term savings, and even potentially lead to overwhelming debt or the necessity of a drastic lifestyle change due to the high costs.