What does outrageous mean?
Outrageous describes conduct, claims, demands, or conditions that are so extreme, shocking, or unreasonable that they provoke strong disapproval. Its commonest use is evaluative: an outrageous lie may be deliberately false and scandalous, while outrageous prices are merely excessively high. The word therefore often suggests a breach of accepted limits, whether moral or practical, rather than simply something surprising. In less formal contexts, it can also be used more broadly for something exceptionally striking, funny, or excessive, sometimes with a humorous rather than indignant tone. That range can dilute the force of the word, so context matters. Outrageous is especially useful when the speaker wants to communicate not only that something is objectionable but that it falls far outside reasonable bounds. Its intensity makes it effective in reporting, criticism, and everyday conversation, though it can sound somewhat emphatic or informal in polished prose.
adjectiveSo extreme, shocking, or unreasonable as to exceed what is acceptable. It may describe offensive conduct or, more broadly, excessive costs, demands, claims, or behavior.
- So excessive, extreme, or unreasonable as to exceed acceptable limits.
- Shocking, offensive, or immoral enough to provoke strong indignation.
"The hotel charged an outrageous price for a room that barely met its advertised standards."
"Making an outrageous accusation against an innocent colleague caused lasting damage to the team."
"We had to cancel the trip because the airline's change fees were outrageous."
It sounds like “out” plus “rage,” but the word's real journey to English ran through French and Latin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outrageous come from?
The word entered Middle English through Anglo-French, whose outrage and outrageous forms continued a Medieval Latin tradition of outragea, usually connected with Latin ex- (“out”) and trahere (“draw” or “pull”). Early English uses referred broadly to excess, violence, or outrageous conduct, while the adjective gradually came to mean excessive and then shameful or shocking. Related forms include outrage and outrager; outragee is a rarer word for someone who has been outraged.
Related word forms
How outrageous is actually used
The word often carries an indignant, morally critical tone, but it is also common in informal speech, where it can express exaggerated disapproval or surprise. Its use in formal writing may sound emphatic unless supported by specific evidence.
Easily confused with outrageous
An outrage is an act or situation that provokes intense anger or disgust, whereas outrageous is an adjective describing conduct, claims, or conditions as extreme or unacceptable.