Spending or using much more money, time, or effort than is reasonable or necessary. It can also describe something very elaborate, showy, or extreme.
From Latin *extravagans* ‘wandering outside’, from *extra* (‘outside’) and *vagari* (‘to wander’). It first referred to things that ‘wandered beyond’ usual limits.
Extravagant behavior is like your choices wandering way off the sensible path. A simple party feeds people; an extravagant party showers them with ice sculptures, fireworks, and a bill that wandered far beyond the budget.
"Extravagant" has often been used in a gendered way to criticize women’s clothing, spending, or emotions as excessive, while similar behavior by men is framed more neutrally or even positively. This reflects a broader pattern of policing women’s appearance and consumption.
Apply "extravagant" consistently across genders, and avoid using it only for women’s fashion, weddings, or domestic spending.
["lavish","very expensive","ornate","overly costly"]
When discussing fashion, art, or household spending, acknowledge that women have historically been criticized as extravagant even when managing constrained budgets or contributing significantly to cultural life.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.