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

“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.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Salon

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.

From Salon

"The report documents that AB, while at a social event related to CGF business, spent an inordinate amount of time with a volunteer of the opposite sex," the CGF added.

From BBC

Part of this is his usual psychological projection, as Trump spends an inordinate amount of his work week on the golf course.

From Salon

Related Words

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