inordinate

[in-awr-dn-it]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of inordinate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of inordinate¹

C14: from Latin inordinātus disordered, from _in- ¹ + ordināre to put in order

Example Sentences

She doesn’t have the vibe of someone who has devoted inordinate amounts of energy to fitness.

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The troglodytes that populate X — among whom Vance spends an inordinate amount of his day — may be thrilled.

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“The Northern California contraction has taken an inordinate amount of time and resources, but with that behind us some effort for purse supplements could start up again,” said Scott Chaney, executive director of the CHRB.

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Instead, that group is spending inordinate amounts of time and money seeking to influence the future of U.S. foreign and military policy, a dangerous development indeed.

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With the hit single “California Girls,” Wilson began shifting his approach to the group’s music precipitously, devoting inordinate effort to constructing the song’s introduction.

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Related Words

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