Words / B1

KOSTL-ee/ˈkɒstli/

Costly means expensive, or causing serious loss: a costly delay; a costly mistake. Cost is already in the dictionary. Expensive is the everyday twin for price; costly often stresses consequences. Cheap is an opposite for price. Do not use costly for a small extra 20p in a formal report unless you are being ironic.

Meaning

Costing a lot of money; also causing serious loss or damage.

Examples

• “Delaying the repair proved costly when the pipe burst.”
• “A costly legal fight used up the campaign’s donations.”

Good to know

a costly mistake / delay. Everyday price: expensive. Noun: cost. Stresses money or damage. Opposite (price): cheap.

Near in meaning

expensive

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