steep fee

Meanings

1. 1phrasecountableinformal

   A charge or cost that is surprisingly high, often more than expected.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: a steep fee, the steep fees. 'Steep' is an adjective describing the fee.

   Patterns

   • a steep fee for something
   • charge a steep fee
   • pay a steep fee

   The hotel charges a steep fee for late checkout.

   Many students complained about the steep fee for the online course.

   There is a steep fee to join the club, but it includes all equipment.

2. 2phrasecountableinformal

   A price that is high and possibly unfair.

   Grammar: Often used in the plural: steep fees. Can be used with 'such' or 'what': What a steep fee!

   Patterns

   • such a steep fee
   • what a steep fee

   They wanted to rent the hall, but the steep fee put them off.

   I was shocked by the steep fee for a simple repair.

   The agency charges steep fees for its services.

Common combinations

charge a steep fee

The lawyer charges a steep fee for an initial consultation.

pay a steep fee

We had to pay a steep fee to park downtown.

a steep fee for something

There is a steep fee for changing your flight.

steep fees

The university is known for its steep fees.

Synonyms and how they differ

high charge

Neutral and factual; 'steep fee' adds the idea that the amount feels excessive.

exorbitant fee

Stronger and more formal; 'steep fee' is milder and common in everyday talk.

pricey

An adjective meaning expensive in general; 'steep fee' specifically refers to a charge for a service or privilege.

Opposites

Word family

steep adjective

Describing a price or fee that is very high.

steeply adverb

In a steep manner; often used for prices rising steeply.

Commonly confused: steep fee or steep (literal)?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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