inordinate

Everyday

1. (formal) Much more than is usual, reasonable or expected; too much. tree →
2. Unreasonably large: an inordinate amount of time. tree →

In the lessons

Formal and in reports: «an inordinate amount of homework», «inordinate delays». Exam-style writing uses it to say «far too much». Phrases: an inordinate amount of, inordinate length, inordinately proud.

Examples

• He spent an inordinate amount of time choosing a pencil. tree →
• The queue caused an inordinate delay. tree →
• She was inordinately proud of her sandcastle. tree →
• We received an inordinate number of emails about lost property. tree →
• The film was of inordinate length — almost four hours. tree →
• The cat spends an inordinate amount of time asleep. tree →

Note

Formal. Easier words: «excessive», «far too much», «huge». Pronounced in-OR-din-ut.