costly

comparative costlier · comparative more costly · superlative costliest · superlative most costly

1. Of high cost; expensive.

   a costly error

   4 more examples

   a costly activity

   In the early days troubles were experienced with oscillation from the rod drive and with the transformers, but were overcome later, and these machines performed useful service until superseded by more modern locomotives less costly in maintenance.

   1960 December 28, Cecil J. Allen, “Operating a mountain main line: the Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon: Part One”, in Trains Illustrated, page 743

   Individual mistakes proved costly for Wigan who, particularly after the half-time introduction of Hugo Rodallega, dominated for long periods.

   2011 October 15, Michael Da Silva, “Wigan 1 - 3 Bolton”, in BBC Sport

   Since sexual relationships are more costly for female primates – they bear the kids – females are the choosier sex.

   2012 March 2, Elizabeth Landau, “Beholding beauty: How it’s been studied”, in CNN

   Synonyms: dear, expensive, prohibitive

1. abbreviationuncountablecard gamesShort for costly colours.

   Costly is a simpler game than cribbage.