Words / C2

i-NORD-in-uh-t/ɪˈnɔːdɪnət/

Inordinate means unreasonably large: inordinate delay, inordinate amount of time. Excessive and huge are everyday; ordinary is a lookalike, not an opposite (the opposite flavour is moderate). Ordinate in maths is a different word. Do not call a legally required review inordinate because it is long.

Meaning

Far more than is reasonable or expected (formal).

Examples

• “Inordinate time on the logo left no hour for the fire door.”
• “Excessive is everyday. Disproportionate is a cousin. Ordinary is “usual” — a lookalike. A long ethics appendix can be the job. Three weeks on a colour palette is inordinate if the exit is unsigned.”

Good to know

Excessive; unreasonably large. Everyday: excessive. Mix-up: ordinary (usual). Length required by a protocol is not inordinate.

Near in meaning

excessive

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