costly

The word "costly" describes something that demands a high price—and that price is not always measured in dollars and cents. While it certainly means expensive in terms of money ("a costly vacation," "a costly repair"), it frequently refers to sacrifices made in time, effort, or emotional well-being.

Consider the phrase "at a great cost." This does not necessarily mean something was financially draining; instead, it suggests significant hardship or loss. For example, a soldier might achieve a "costly victory," meaning that while the battle was won, many lives were lost in the process. Similarly, pursuing a demanding career can be costly in terms of personal relationships and health.

Context is key to using this word effectively. "Costly" does not just focus on the initial expense, but also on the long-term implications. A cheap product that breaks quickly might ultimately be more costly than investing in something durable from the start. Likewise, a hasty decision could prove to be a costly mistake, leading to unforeseen problems down the line.

Historically, "costly" has meant expensive or of great cost—and it has sometimes suggested something rich or fancy, the kind of thing that only wealth could buy. While its modern meaning still includes that idea, it also strongly emphasizes the burden of expense or loss. When something is described as costly, pay attention not just to the price tag, but to what is being given up in exchange for it.