costly
adjective
cost·ly
ˈkȯs(t)-lē 
costlier; costliest
2
: made or done at heavy expense or sacrifice
a costly mistake
costliness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of costly in a Sentence
We use less costly materials in our products.
It was too costly to fix her car after the accident, so she decided to buy a new car instead.
They won the game, but their best player was injured, so it was a costly victory.
The decision to wait could be a costly mistake.
Recent Examples on the Web
Time and time again, criminal approaches to drug policy have proven ineffective, costly and unfair.
—
Michael Abrams, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2025
To address landlords’ concerns that following the law would be too onerous or costly, the city launched its property owner support program on Jan. 15.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
Driving under the influence can be especially costly for North Carolina drivers, with an average cost of $591 per month after the first offense, Lending Tree says.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2025
If this is removed, the morning-after pill will become significantly more costly for millions of women.
—Sophie Clark, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for costly 
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Michael Abrams, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2025
To address landlords’ concerns that following the law would be too onerous or costly, the city launched its property owner support program on Jan. 15.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
Driving under the influence can be especially costly for North Carolina drivers, with an average cost of $591 per month after the first offense, Lending Tree says.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2025
If this is removed, the morning-after pill will become significantly more costly for millions of women.
—Sophie Clark, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for costly
Dictionary Entries Near costly
Cite this Entry
“Costly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/costly. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
costly
adjective
cost·ly
ˈkȯs(t)-lē
costlier; costliest
1
: of great cost or value
costly furs
2
: gained at great expense or sacrifice
a costly victory
costliness
noun
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