What does priceless mean?
Priceless is an adjective describing something so valuable that no reasonable price could measure it. It is often used for objects, experiences, opportunities, memories, and qualities that are rare, irreplaceable, or deeply meaningful. The word can also be used informally to describe something amusing or remarkable, especially in phrases such as “priceless.” In this second sense, it is warmer and more playful than the literal meaning, and may be used humorously rather than seriously. Priceless is common in both British and American English and appears in expressions such as “a priceless gift,” “a priceless experience,” and “priceless collection.” Its power comes from combining the ordinary commercial idea of price with the suggestion that the subject’s value transcends money altogether.
So valuable that it cannot be assigned a suitable price; extremely valuable or irreplaceable.
"The museum houses a priceless collection of manuscripts."
This is the literal and most common sense. It often implies rarity, historic importance, or lasting personal significance.
Informally, extremely funny, amusing, or absurd.
"The child’s attempt to hide the cookie under his shirt was priceless."
This humorous sense is especially common in informal speech and writing.
Priceless turns the idea of price on its head: the thing is not merely expensive, but beyond the reach of any price.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does priceless come from?
Priceless is formed in the 16th century from price and the suffix -less, meaning “without.” The word price comes through Old French pris from Latin pretium, meaning “value” or “price,” and is related to English prize and precious, which also trace their meanings to that Latin root. The suffix -less had already established a productive pattern in English for describing the absence of a quality, as in fearless and endless.
Related word forms
How priceless is actually used
In its literal sense, priceless is strongly positive and often suggests rarity, cultural or historical importance, or sentimental value. Its informal, humorous sense is common especially in speech.