Exorbitant vs. Extortionate — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Exorbitant and extortionate both describe excessively high costs, but exorbitant implies a price surpassing all reasonable standards, while extortionate suggests prices so high they seem like extortion.
Difference Between Exorbitant and Extortionate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Exorbitant prices are typically seen as surpassing reasonable bounds, often used to describe costs that are higher than justified by the product or service. On the other hand, extortionate carries a stronger implication, suggesting that the price not only exceeds reasonable levels but does so to the extent of resembling a form of extortion.
When you describe a hotel rate as exorbitant, you might simply mean it's unusually high. Whereas, labeling a fee as extortionate implies it's unethically high, almost to the point of being criminal.
Exorbitant often appears in discussions about market dynamics where prices can be excessively high due to demand and supply issues. Extortionate, on the other hand, is more likely used in contexts where there is an implication of unfair manipulation or advantage being taken.
In legal and regulatory contexts, charges described as exorbitant might prompt scrutiny for potential price gouging, particularly in situations like emergency services. Conversely, charges described as extortionate could suggest predatory practices and might invite legal action or regulatory intervention.
Public reactions to exorbitant pricing can vary from annoyance to outrage, depending on the context and alternatives available. In contrast, extortionate pricing almost always provokes public outrage and demands for accountability, reflecting its perceived immorality.
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Comparison Chart
Implication of cost
Unreasonably high, beyond normal limits
Unethically high, suggesting wrongdoing
Usage context
Often in market and economic discussions
Common in discussions of ethics and law
Public reaction
Can range from annoyance to outrage
Generally provokes outrage and action
Legal implications
May suggest price gouging
Implies predatory pricing, possible crime
Connotation strength
Strong negative connotation
Very strong negative connotation
Compare with Definitions
Exorbitant
Reflecting a high price that seems unreasonable.
The exorbitant demands of the client were nearly impossible to meet.
Extortionate
Reflecting greed or a desire to exploit.
They faced criticism for the extortionate fees they charged.
Exorbitant
Extremely high in price; unjustifiably expensive.
The exorbitant cost of the wedding made them reconsider their plans.
Extortionate
Charging or involving extortion; excessively high to the point of unethical.
The extortionate prices during the crisis were condemned by the community.
Exorbitant
Characterized by extravagance or excess.
Their lifestyle was marked by exorbitant spending.
Extortionate
Immoderate in demand; suggesting extortion or exploitation.
The extortionate rent for such a small apartment seemed unfair.
Exorbitant
Grossly exceeding the usual or customary.
The tourist traps charge exorbitant prices for souvenirs.
Extortionate
Associated with coercive or predatory pricing.
The vendor's extortionate approach discouraged many potential buyers.
Exorbitant
Surpassing the bounds of custom, propriety, or reason, especially in amount or extent.
The exorbitant interest rates deterred potential borrowers.
Extortionate
Exorbitant to the point of suggesting criminality.
The extortionate price of medication led to a government investigation.
Exorbitant
(of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high
Some hotels charge exorbitant rates for phone calls
Extortionate
Characterized by extortion.
Exorbitant
Going beyond what is reasonable or customary, especially in cost or price
Exorbitant rent.
Exorbitant telephone bills.
Extortionate
Exorbitant; immoderate
Extortionate interest rates.
Exorbitant
Exceeding proper limits; excessive or unduly high; extravagant.
It’s a nice car, but they are charging an exorbitant price for it.
You also have to pay exorbitant interest if you have credit card debt.
Extortionate
Of, related to, or typifying force]] or threats.
Exorbitant
Departing from an orbit or usual track; hence, deviating from the usual or due course; going beyond the appointed rules or established limits of right or propriety; excessive; extravagant; enormous; inordinate; as, exorbitant appetites and passions; exorbitant charges, demands, or claims.
Foul exorbitant desires.
Extortionate
Greatly exceeding what is moderate or reasonable; exorbitant.
Exorbitant
Not comprehended in a settled rule or method; anomalous.
The Jews . . . [were] inured with causes exorbitant, and such as their laws had not provided for.
Extortionate
Characterized by extortion; oppressive; hard.
Exorbitant
Greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation;
Exorbitant rent
Extortionate prices
Spends an outrageous amount on entertainment
Usorious interest rate
Unconscionable spending
Extortionate
Greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation;
Exorbitant rent
Extortionate prices
Spends an outrageous amount on entertainment
Usorious interest rate
Unconscionable spending
Common Curiosities
When might someone use the term exorbitant?
One might use "exorbitant" to describe anything that is seen as unusually expensive, such as fees, rents, or products.
When is it appropriate to use the term extortionate?
"Extortionate" is used when prices are so high that they seem to exploit consumers, particularly in vulnerable situations.
What does exorbitant mean?
Exorbitant refers to prices or amounts that are excessively high, well beyond a reasonable or customary range.
Is extortionate a legal term?
While not strictly a legal term, "extortionate" can be used in legal contexts to describe predatory pricing practices.
Are there industries where exorbitant or extortionate prices are more commonly mentioned?
Both terms are often mentioned in industries with high consumer impact, like pharmaceuticals, real estate, and essential services.
What does extortionate mean?
Extortionate implies that something, usually a price, is so excessively high that it seems to constitute extortion.
Can a price be both exorbitant and extortionate?
Yes, a price can be both if it is extremely high and perceived as unethical or akin to extortion.
How do public perceptions differ when prices are described as exorbitant vs. extortionate?
Public reaction is typically more severe when prices are described as extortionate due to the implication of unethical or illegal behavior.
What is the difference in connotation between exorbitant and extortionate?
"Exorbitant" has a strong negative connotation, whereas "extortionate" has a very strong negative connotation, often suggesting unethical behavior.
Can describing a price as exorbitant have legal consequences?
Describing a price as exorbitant can lead to scrutiny and potential actions for price gouging but not necessarily legal consequences.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
