an inordinate delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inordinate delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a delay that is excessive or unreasonable in duration. Example: "The project was stalled due to an inordinate delay in receiving the necessary approvals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Only after an inordinate delay was the revised Interpol alert passed on to the immigration department and the Australian Security Intelligence Operation (Asio).

The Guardian

The decision on whether to pay damages to Raissi, who spent almost four months in a high-security prison after the 2001 attacks in New York and Washington DC, had been subject to an "inordinate delay".

The Guardian

That's not an inordinate delay".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's human nature: If you might get some bad news when you show up ("You owe the IRS $12,000") or physical pain ("It looks like we're going to have to do a root canal") or inordinate delay ("Sorry, we won't have your transmission done for a couple days, but you can wait in our customer lounge"), you're more likely to put the appointment out of your mind.

Los Angeles Times

Finally deciding our complaint, this past August, OCR's letter never offered any explanation whatsoever for its inordinate delay -- a delay which civil liberties attorney Norman Siegel described as "justice delayed...justice denied".

Huffington Post

Co-morbid conditions including anxiety, depression and irritable bowel syndrome were seen in both groups and it is unclear if this is related to the lack of receiving a credible diagnosis and the inordinate delay in treatment that these patients experience.

BMC Gastroenterology

Then she was asked something she clearly did not expect: Had she ever ventured outside the station to sample the surrounding amenities, perhaps when there was an inordinate train delay?

The New York Times

This patient had to undergo a mutilating fore-quarter amputation due to inordinate delay in presentation.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Sixth, Bingham continues, the state must provide a way of "resolving, without prohibitive cost or inordinate delay, bona fide civil disputes which the parties themselves are unable to resolve".

The Guardian

The prime minister said he was "not able to order" the publication of the Chilcot Report, when a Plaid Cymru MP asked him about the "inordinate delay" in releasing the Iraq Inquiry findings.

BBC

"Inordinate delay between arrest, indictment, and trial may impair a defendant's ability to present an effective defense.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an inordinate delay", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being delayed and why the delay is considered excessive or unreasonable. Be specific about the consequences of the delay to emphasize its significance.

Common error

While "an inordinate delay" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual contexts. In less formal situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "a long wait" or "an unnecessary delay".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inordinate delay" functions as a noun phrase, where "inordinate" modifies the noun "delay". Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct. The adjective "inordinate" intensifies the sense of delay, emphasizing its excessive or unreasonable nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an inordinate delay" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a delay that is considered excessive or unreasonable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from reputable sources. While it's a valid construction, it's more suited for formal contexts and writing. Simpler alternatives, such as "excessive delay" or "unnecessary delay", may be more appropriate in casual settings. The phrase's usage is most frequent in news, scientific, and academic contexts, and it effectively conveys a sense of frustration or concern about the length and impact of the delay.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive delay

Replaces "inordinate" with a simpler synonym, maintaining the core meaning of an unreasonable delay.

undue delay

Uses "undue" to emphasize the inappropriateness of the delay.

unreasonable delay

Directly states that the delay is not reasonable or justified.

protracted delay

Focuses on the length of the delay, implying it is longer than necessary.

unwarranted delay

Emphasizes that the delay lacks a valid reason or justification.

gratuitous delay

Suggests the delay is unnecessary and without a legitimate purpose.

needless delay

Indicates that the delay could have been avoided.

overlong delay

Highlights the excessive duration of the delay.

extended delay

Simply states that the delay has been prolonged.

unconscionable delay

Implies the delay is morally unacceptable or shocking.

FAQs

How can I use "an inordinate delay" in a sentence?

"An inordinate delay" is used to describe a delay that is excessive or unreasonable. For example, "The project was stalled due to "an inordinate delay" in receiving the necessary approvals".

What phrases are similar to "an inordinate delay"?

Similar phrases include "excessive delay", "undue delay", or "unreasonable delay". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an inordinate delay"?

This phrase is suitable for formal writing or when emphasizing the egregious nature of a delay. In less formal contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "an inordinate delay" and "a significant delay"?

"An inordinate delay" implies that the delay is excessive or unjustified, while "a significant delay" simply indicates that the delay is substantial. The former carries a stronger negative connotation.