inordinate

/in'ɔ:dinit/

Thân thiện

The book's inordinate length made it difficult to fit on the small shelf.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Exceeding reasonable or normal limits; excessive: Describes something that is much greater in amount, degree, or intensity than what is considered usual, proper, or necessary.
   • Unrestrained or irregular: Can describe something that lacks proper regulation or moderation.

Usage

The adjective "inordinate" is used to modify nouns, indicating an extreme or unreasonable degree. It often carries a negative connotation of excessiveness that is undesirable or problematic. It is a formal word commonly found in written English.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She spent an inordinate amount of time on minor details, delaying the entire project.
  • The CEO was criticized for his inordinate salary compared to the average worker's pay.
  • He has an inordinate fondness for chocolate, eating it every day.

Advanced Usage

• "inordinate length/delay/amount": A common collocation emphasizing excessive duration, time, or quantity.
  • The meeting dragged on to an inordinate length.
• "inordinate desire/passion": Used to describe an unusually strong and potentially uncontrollable feeling.
  • His inordinate ambition led him to make unethical choices.

Variants and Related Words

• Inordinately (adverb): To an excessive or unreasonable degree.
  • The task was inordinately difficult.
• Inordinateness (noun): The state or quality of being excessive (rarely used).

Synonyms

• Excessive: More than is necessary, normal, or desirable.
• Immoderate: Not sensible or restrained; excessive.
• Unreasonable: Not guided by or based on good sense; excessive.
• Undue: Unwarranted or inappropriate because excessive or disproportionate.

Antonyms

• Moderate: Average in amount, intensity, or quality; not extreme.
• Reasonable: Based on good sense; fair and sensible.
• Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.

Idioms and Phrases

• "An inordinate amount of": A very common phrase used to criticize or highlight an excessive quantity of something (time, money, effort, etc.).
  • The bureaucracy requires an inordinate amount of paperwork for a simple permit.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. beyond normal limits
   • excessive charges
   • a book of inordinate length
   • his dress stops just short of undue elegance
   • unreasonable demands

Từ đồng nghĩa

• excessive
• undue
• unreasonable