price gouging

American  

[prahys gou-jing] / ˈpraɪs ˌgaʊ dʒɪŋ /

noun

1. an act or instance of charging customers too high a price for goods or services, especially when demand is high and supplies are limited.

   The law prohibits price gouging during weather emergencies such as snowstorms.

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Other Word Forms

• price gouge verb (used with or without object)
• price gouger noun
• price-gouge verb (used with or without object)

Etymology

Origin of price gouging

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

"We will not tolerate unfair practices, price gouging."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

In the short term, there's probably little that can be done other than targeting those who are "price gouging" in the hope that it dissuades others.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

And industry observers are already directing public scrutiny toward competitors like StubHub, also notorious for alleged price gouging.

From Slate • Mar. 10, 2026

“I was shocked by how many clear, unavoidable cases of price gouging there were,” said Philip Meyer, a volunteer with the Rent Brigade who co-authored the report.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

When he heard the story, Hiatt said, “Looks like price gouging to me.”

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French