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
With accurate forecasts, manufacturers can coordinate with suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of specific components, avoiding costly production delays.
—
Michael Amori, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
If approved, the new plan would end the costliest corporate bankruptcy resulting from the U.S. opioid crisis.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2025
President Trump understands that America is facing a housing affordability crisis and the only way out of this crisis is to remove barriers like unnecessary and costly regulations that are raising housing costs and preventing builders from building more attainable, affordable housing.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Advertisement The loss of such clearances can be costly for former officials who work for defense contractors and require ongoing access to classified information to do their private sector jobs.
—Byron Tau, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for costly 
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Michael Amori, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
If approved, the new plan would end the costliest corporate bankruptcy resulting from the U.S. opioid crisis.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2025
President Trump understands that America is facing a housing affordability crisis and the only way out of this crisis is to remove barriers like unnecessary and costly regulations that are raising housing costs and preventing builders from building more attainable, affordable housing.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Advertisement The loss of such clearances can be costly for former officials who work for defense contractors and require ongoing access to classified information to do their private sector jobs.
—Byron Tau, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 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 27 Jan. 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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