What does exorbitance mean?
Exorbitance is a noun referring to the quality of being excessive — particularly in regard to amounts, prices, or demands that go well beyond what is reasonable or customary. It most often appears when discussing costs, fees, salaries, or other charges considered unreasonably high: one might speak of 'the exorbitance of the rent' or 'the exorbitance of executive compensation.' The word carries a strongly negative connotation, implying not merely largeness but a sense of impropriety or unfairness. It derives from Latin roots meaning 'out of orbit,' suggesting something straying from its proper course or bounds. Though less frequently used than its adjective form 'exorbitant,' exorbitance remains useful in formal writing and criticism where a noun form is needed to name the condition of excess itself rather than describe it.
The quality or state of being excessive, especially in amount or degree.
"The exorbitance of the hospital's charges drew widespread criticism."
An individual instance of something being unreasonably high or excessive.
"Each exorbitance in the budget was flagged by the auditor."
Rarely used in plural form; more commonly treated as an uncountable mass noun referring to the general quality of excessiveness.
"The report catalogued numerous exorbitances in the company's spending."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exorbitance
Exorbitance comes from Late Latin 'exorbitantia,' derived from Latin 'exorbitans,' meaning 'going off the track or out of course,' from 'ex-' ('out of') and 'orbita' ('track, rut'). The word entered English in the early modern period, with the related adjective 'exorbitant' attested from around the mid-15th century. Cognates include French 'exorbitant' and Italian 'esorbitante.'
Related word forms
How exorbitance is actually used
Formal to neutral register. Often used with a following 'of' phrase specifying what is excessive (e.g., 'the exorbitance of the rent'). Slightly less common than its adjective form 'exorbitant'.
Easily confused with exorbitance
'Exuberance' means lively enthusiasm or high spirits, while 'exorbitance' means excessive amount or degree, especially of cost.