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Meaning & use

luxury

noun, adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈlʌkʃəri/
US/ˈlʌkʃəri/

Meanings

  1. noununcountable

    The enjoyment of very comfortable, expensive surroundings and goods that go well beyond what is needed.

    Grammar: Uncountable here: live in luxury, not a luxury.

    Patterns

    • live in luxury
    • in the lap of luxury

    They spent a week in luxury at a seaside resort.

    He grew up in luxury but chose a simple life.

    The hotel offers every kind of luxury.

  2. nouncountable

    Something enjoyable that is not necessary and that you can seldom afford or have time for.

    Grammar: Countable: a luxury, some luxuries; often after an or such.

    Patterns

    • a luxury for someone
    • can't afford the luxury of something

    A long hot bath is a rare luxury for a busy parent.

    Having free time is a luxury these days.

    They can't afford the luxury of waiting any longer.

  3. adjectivebefore a noun

    Offering or made to a very high standard of comfort and quality, usually at a high price.

    Grammar: Used before a noun as a modifier: a luxury hotel.

    Patterns

    • luxury goods
    • a luxury apartment

    She booked a luxury hotel for the weekend.

    The company sells luxury watches.

    Luxury cars hold their value poorly.

Word forms

pluralluxuries

Common combinations

live in luxury
The family lives in luxury on the hill.
a rare luxury
Quiet mornings are a rare luxury with small children.
luxury goods
Luxury goods often carry high taxes.
affordable luxury
The brand sells affordable luxury for everyday life.
the lap of luxury
On holiday they lived in the lap of luxury.

Synonyms and how they differ

opulence
Opulence stresses lavish richness and display, while luxury can be a simple comfort.
extravagance
Extravagance suggests wasteful spending, whereas luxury need not be criticized.
indulgence
Indulgence is a treat you allow yourself, but luxury emphasizes quality and cost.
comfort
Comfort is basic ease, and luxury goes well beyond what is needed.

Opposites

necessityhardship

Word family

luxurious adjective
very comfortable and expensive
luxuriously adverb
in a very comfortable or rich way
luxuriate verb
to enjoy something pleasurably
luxuriant adjective
growing thickly and richly

Commonly confused: luxury or luxurious? luxury or luxuriant?

luxury vs luxurious

Luxurious is the adjective describing something full of luxury, while luxury is the noun, though luxury can also modify nouns.

luxury vs luxuriant

Luxuriant means thick and plentiful, as in hair or plants, not expensive.

Practice

Time to read for pleasure is a ___ for many busy people.

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