Rip-off

A rip-off is a situation where someone charges an excessive or unfair price for something, or where goods or services are of poor quality for the price paid. It implies dishonesty, exploitation, or taking advantage of someone's lack of knowledge or choice. The term highlights a perceived lack of value or fairness in a transaction, indicating that the customer is being cheated or swindled. It suggests a disparity between the price charged and the perceived value received, leading to feelings of being misled or wronged. Essentially, it is an unjust transaction. The feeling of being ripped-off can be strong and lead to negative word-of-mouth or even legal action.

Rip-off meaning with examples

• The hotel room cost an exorbitant amount, barely offering the bare essentials. The threadbare towels, slow Wi-Fi, and distant location made it clear; it was a complete rip-off. I wouldn’t recommend it, given the countless budget-friendly options nearby with better amenities and service. It was highway robbery in every sense.
• After purchasing the electronic gadget, it broke down within weeks. Considering the high price and the low quality build, it's clearly a rip-off. I contacted customer support, but they were unhelpful, further confirming my suspicions that the company is more interested in profits than customer satisfaction. What a waste of money!
• The concert tickets were ridiculously expensive, with the best seats resold at a massive markup. The sound quality was also terrible, the stadium was far from full, and the opening acts were subpar. Paying such a large amount for such a mediocre experience felt like a massive rip-off. Never again will I attend one of those events!
• The mechanic's bill was inflated with unnecessary repairs and inflated parts prices. It was a deliberate rip-off to exploit my lack of automotive knowledge. I felt completely taken advantage of and helpless. I'll never use that garage again. A dishonest transaction leaves a bad taste.