Gouging

Gouging refers to the act of creating a deep cut, groove, or indentation in a surface, often associated with using a pointed instrument or tool. It can also describe the practice of charging excessively high prices, particularly during emergencies or crises, leading to ethical concerns around exploitation and fairness in commerce.

Gouging meaning with examples

• After the heavy rains caused severe flooding, some local businesses engaged in price gouging, selling bottled water at extraordinary prices. The community rallied against this unethical practice, urging local authorities to impose strict penalties to protect consumers from being taken advantage of during their time of need.
• The carpenter was careful as he worked, avoiding gouging the wood with his tools. A sudden slip of the chisel could lead to an unsightly mark, ruining the aesthetic of the handcrafted furniture he was creating for a high-profile client, emphasizing the importance of precision in craftsmanship.
• During the recent hurricane, reports emerged of hotels and gas stations gouging their prices, with rooms going for ten times their usual rates and gas prices spiking unusually high. This prompted a public outcry and a renewed discussion about the ethics of pricing, especially during natural disasters.
• In an effort to streamline their production process, the engineers designed a new machine that could prevent gouging in the metal sheets they were working with. This innovation not only improved efficiency but also minimized waste, showcasing the importance of accuracy in manufacturing.