extravagance

noun

ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstra-vi-gən(t)s 

1

a

: an instance of excess or prodigality

specifically : an excessive outlay of money

b

: something extravagant

a new car is an extravagance we can't afford

2

: the quality or fact of being extravagant

the extravagance of the decorations

Synonyms

• extravagancy
• lavishness
• prodigality
• profusion
• wastefulness

Examples of extravagance in a Sentence

The reorganization of the department was aimed at reducing extravagance.

That coat is an extravagance that you can't afford.

Going to the play will be our one extravagance for this vacation.

I was shocked by the extravagance of their lifestyle.

The church is known for the extravagance of its architecture.

Recent Examples on the Web

For years, the Mission: Impossible movies stood as a welcome bulwark against the world-building extravagance of Hollywood’s franchise craze. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 May 2025

Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic celebrated the centenary of Pierre Boulez’s birth with an extravagance of sonic invention and dance. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025

Letting a house of that size sit untouched is an act of thoughtless extravagance. —Alison Herman, Variety, 5 May 2025

Its culinary offerings are as nuanced as its wine list, with menu items that honor regional fare while embracing European extravagance. —Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

extravagance

noun

ex·​trav·​a·​gance ik-ˈstrav-i-gən(t)s 

1

a

: the wasteful or careless spending of money

b

: something that is extravagant

2

: the quality or fact of being extravagant