luxuries

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   expensive things that are pleasant but not necessary

   Grammar: Countable; use it for individual items or experiences: one luxury, two luxuries.

   Patterns

   • afford luxuries
   • buy luxuries
   • luxuries such as something

   After the pay cut, they stopped buying luxuries like new cars.

   The store sells luxuries such as silk scarves and gold watches.

   Many families cannot afford luxuries during hard times.

2. 2nouncountable

   rare or special pleasures that you enjoy

   Grammar: Countable and often used in the phrase 'the luxury of doing something'.

   Patterns

   • the luxury of something
   • enjoy the luxury of doing something

   On vacation, I enjoy the luxury of sleeping late.

   She had the luxury of choosing her own working hours.

   A hot bath after a long hike is one of life's luxuries.

Word forms

Common combinations

afford luxuries

With three children in college, they can't afford luxuries.

buy luxuries

Tourists come here to buy luxuries at lower prices.

everyday luxuries

Good coffee and fresh flowers are her everyday luxuries.

the luxury of time

We don't have the luxury of time to debate this.

Synonyms and how they differ

extras

Extras are additional items or features; luxuries specifically suggest expensive comfort or pleasure.

indulgences

Indulgences are things you allow yourself for pleasure; luxuries often cost more and are less necessary.

Opposites

Word family

luxury noun

The singular form, also used uncountably to mean great comfort.

luxurious adjective

Very comfortable and expensive.

luxuriously adverb

In a very comfortable, expensive way.

Commonly confused: luxuries or luxuriant?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “luxuries”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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