Meaning & use
inordinate
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivenot comparableformal
Far greater than what is reasonable, normal, or expected in size, amount, degree, or length.
Grammar: Almost always modifies a noun, especially amount, number, delay, or time; avoid using it as a verb-like adverb.
Patterns
- an inordinate amount of something
- an inordinate number of people
- inordinate delays
The project took an inordinate amount of time because files kept disappearing.
She spent an inordinate number of hours repairing the old bicycle.
Inordinate delays made the passengers restless.
Common combinations
- an inordinate amount of time
- Fixing the printer required an inordinate amount of time.
- an inordinate amount of money
- The gala raised an inordinate amount of money for repairs.
- an inordinate number of complaints
- The mayor received an inordinate number of complaints about potholes.
- inordinate pride
- His inordinate pride prevented him from asking for help.
Synonyms and how they differ
- excessive
- Excessive is the everyday word for too much; inordinate is more formal and stresses exceeding reasonable bounds.
- immoderate
- Immoderate means lacking restraint and is often used for appetite, spending, or emotion; inordinate more often modifies amounts and delays.
- unreasonable
- Unreasonable can describe demands or behavior that are unfair or illogical, not merely large.
Opposites
Word family
- inordinately adverb
- To an unreasonable or excessive degree: inordinately proud.
- ordinate noun
- In mathematics, a coordinate measuring vertical position; related by spelling but not by everyday meaning.
Commonly confused: inordinate or coordinate? inordinate or ordinary?
inordinate vs coordinate
Coordinate means organize together or a matching item; inordinate means excessive and has no sense of organizing.
inordinate vs ordinary
Ordinary means usual or normal, almost the opposite idea, though the spellings look related.
Practice
Which phrase is most natural with inordinate?
Choose one answer.
Inordinate naturally modifies amounts, numbers, and durations. It does not describe colors, cannot modify an action like walking quickly, and is not a position.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “inordinate”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.