Inordinate
/ɪnˈɔːrdɪnɪt/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Inordinate describes an amount or degree that is very large or extreme, more than what is considered normal, fair, or sensible. It is often used to talk about things like time, effort, emotions, or numbers that are too big or too much in a way that feels excessive or unreasonable.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Excessive in amount or degree, beyond what is normal or reasonable
- •She spent an inordinate amount of time preparing for the exam.
- •The project required an inordinate amount of resources.
- •His inordinate fear of flying kept him from traveling.
Too great or extreme in feelings or behavior
- •He showed inordinate pride after winning the award.
- •The inordinate anger in her voice surprised everyone.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "inordinate" like "too much," but in a more serious or formal way—more than just "a lot"
- ✓Picture a clock showing many hours past bedtime—this shows an inordinate amount of time spent awake
- ✓It's the feeling when someone spends an inordinate amount of money on a small gift—it feels surprising or unreasonable
- ✓Sounds like "in-ORD-in-ate" → imagine a big order (ORD) of something that is way too much to handle
- ✓Think of stories where a character has inordinate pride or anger—too much pride or anger that causes problems
- ✓NOT like "ordinary" (normal, usual); inordinate means beyond normal limits or control
- ✓NOT like "moderate" (reasonable amount); inordinate means too large or extreme
- ✓NOT like "excessive" (similar meaning but "inordinate" is more formal and often used in serious contexts)
Try Other Words
- •Excessive: more than necessary or normal (Use when you want a formal word similar to inordinate)
- •Unreasonable: not fair or sensible (Use when the amount or degree does not make sense)
- •Extreme: very great or intense (Use when emphasizing the high degree of something)
- •Overly: too much in a way that is not good (Use when describing behavior or feelings that go past normal)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (not or into) + root "ordinate" (related to order or arrangement)
- •Etymology: From Latin "inordinatus," meaning "not arranged properly" or "disordered"
- •Historical development: Originally meant lacking order or proper arrangement; later used to mean excessive or beyond normal limits
- •Modern usage: Used to describe something that is too large, too much, or beyond what is reasonable or usual; common in formal writing and speech
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you or someone else had an inordinate amount of something, like work or worry? How did it feel?
•How does knowing the word "inordinate" help you describe situations where things are more than normal in a clear and strong way?
Fill in the blanks
1.She spent an inordinate amount of ___ preparing for the test, much more than her classmates.
2.His inordinate fear of ___ stopped him from trying new experiences.
3.Unlike normal stress, an inordinate level of ___ can harm your health.
4.The manager was upset because the team used an inordinate number of ___ for a small task.
5.When someone has inordinate pride, they often ___ their own achievements too much.
6.The company faced criticism for charging an inordinate ___ for simple services.
7.Unlike regular effort, an inordinate amount of ___ can lead to burnout.