inordinate

American  

[in-awr-dn-it] / ɪnˈɔr dn ɪt /

adjective

1. not within proper or reasonable limits; immoderate; excessive.

   He drank an inordinate amount of wine.

   Synonyms:

   disproportionate, unreasonable, outrageous, exorbitant, extreme

   Antonyms:

   reasonable

2. unrestrained in conduct, feelings, etc..

   an inordinate admirer of beauty.

3. disordered or uncontrolled.

4. not regulated; irregular.

   Keeping such inordinate hours will not help with your sleep issues.

---

inordinate British  

/ ɪnˈɔːdɪnɪt /

adjective

1. exceeding normal limits; immoderate

2. unrestrained, as in behaviour or emotion; intemperate

3. irregular or disordered

---

Other Word Forms

• inordinacy
  noun
• inordinately
  adverb
• inordinateness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of inordinate

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Middle English inordinat, from Latin inordinātus “disordered,” equivalent to in- in- ³ + ordinātus “orderly, appointed”; see ordain, ordinate

Explanation

Something that's excessive or that goes way beyond normal limits is inordinate — like an overly obsessive love for chocolate or a fantasy football junkie who spends an inordinate amount of time checking his team. The adjective inordinate is the exact opposite of "reasonable" and "moderate." In fact, when you call something inordinate, you're saying it's downright exorbitant and out of proportion. It's often used to describe abnormal amounts of time spent doing something — playing video games at work or canoodling with your girlfriend at school, for example. But as Oscar Wilde once said, “An inordinate passion for pleasure is the secret of remaining young.”

Example Sentences

Inordinate time is spent with Hans Zimmer, whose symphonic-synthesizer scores define the current action-spectacle template.

From New York Times • Jun. 15, 2017

Inordinate supplies of uniforms . . . are in storage in the military posts of the United States Army.

From Time Magazine Archive

Gluttons! restrain such wish," replied The dying fox; "be such defied; Inordinate desires deplore; The more you win, you grieve the more.

From Fables of John Gay (Somewhat Altered) by Gay, John

Inordinate thirst indicates a feverish state of either the stomach or the general system.

From How To Behave: A Pocket Manual Of Republican Etiquette, And Guide To Correct Personal Habits Embracing An Exposition Of The Principles Of Good Manners; Useful Hints On The Care Of The Person, Eating, Drinking, Exercise, Habits, Dress, Self-Culture, And Behavior At Home; The Etiquette Of Salutations, Introductions, Receptions, Visits, Dinners, Evening Parties, Conversation, Letters, Presents, Weddings, Funerals, The Street, The Church, Places Of Amusement, Traveling, Etc., With Illustrative Anecdotes, a Chapter on Love and Courtship, and Rules of Order for Debating Societies by Wells, Samuel R. (Samuel Roberts)

Inordinate, in-or′di-nāt, adj. beyond usual bounds: irregular: immoderate.—ns.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Related Words

• disproportionate
• dizzying
• exorbitant
• irrational
• unconscionable
• undue
• unreasonable
• unwarranted