inordinate fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inordinate fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an excessive or disproportionate amount of luck or good fortune that someone experiences. Example: "Despite his lack of preparation, he seemed to attract inordinate fortune, winning every game he played."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

During his lifetime she strove to induce him to use for worthy purposes at least a small part of his inordinate fortune.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her particular ire, it seems, was reserved for those who enjoy inordinate good fortune and commit unkindnesses with impunity – say, for example, someone paid to review television shows.

The Guardian

There seem to be an inordinate amount "Wheel of Fortune" fails nowadays, so seeing a contestant totally dominate is definitely a big change.

Huffington Post

The unasked question: was the Minister's statement really a disguised way to have same effect on European bond markets, while the Chinese clip the wings of the uber-capitalist Jack Ma given his inordinate (by Chinese standards) success in building a US dollar fortune on the backs of Chinese consumers?

HuffPost

The Russell Sage fortune came chiefly from money lending in Wall Street and by inordinate niggardliness in the matter of spending.

Forbes

Intrigued by the Powerball drawing of March 30 , 2005 which produced an inordinate quantity of winning lottery tickets because the lucky numbers had turned up in fortune cookies all around the country, Lee rides her obsession on a three-year, 42-state, 23-country journey during which she discovers that fortune cookies, like so much about America's Chinese restaurants, aren't really Chinese.

The New York Times - Books

"AN INORDINATE fondness for beetles".

The Economist

It's an inordinate form".

Independent

The problem, analysts said, is the inordinate amount of power in the hands of the old guard -- which has run through two chief executives in seven years with little improvement in company fortunes.

The New York Times

Were they under inordinate stress?

The New York Times

The inordinate delays impose heavy tolls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inordinate fortune" when you want to emphasize that someone's wealth or luck is excessive or disproportionate to their efforts or circumstances.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "inordinate fortune" can sound somewhat antiquated or overly formal in contemporary writing. Consider using more modern alternatives like "excessive wealth" or "remarkable luck" depending on your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inordinate fortune" functions as a noun phrase, where "inordinate" is an adjective modifying the noun "fortune". This phrase typically serves to describe a state of having an excessive or disproportionate amount of wealth or luck, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inordinate fortune" describes an excessive amount of wealth or luck. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While "inordinate fortune" isn't overly common, it effectively communicates the idea of a disproportionate advantage. Related phrases include "excessive wealth" and "remarkable luck". Consider the context when using this phrase, as more modern alternatives may be suitable. Remember that while grammatically sound, "inordinate fortune" can occasionally sound antiquated. Its use is primarily found in news, formal business contexts, and academic writing. It is rarely found in encyclopedias and scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional good fortune

Emphasizes the rarity and positivity of the luck.

extraordinary prosperity

Highlights the unusual and significant nature of the good fortune.

excessive wealth

Focuses specifically on the abundance of financial resources, omitting the luck aspect.

undue prosperity

Highlights the idea that the fortune might not be deserved or justified.

windfall

Describes a sudden and unexpected gain, often implying luck.

disproportionate affluence

Emphasizes the imbalance or unfair distribution of wealth.

lavish abundance

Emphasizes the extravagance and excess associated with the fortune.

remarkable luck

Shifts the focus solely to luck, excluding the implication of material wealth.

unwarranted success

Suggests the success is not deserved or justified.

surplus assets

Focuses on the financial aspect, highlighting the excess of possessions.

FAQs

How can I use "inordinate fortune" in a sentence?

You can use "inordinate fortune" to describe someone who has an unusually large amount of wealth or luck. For example, "During his lifetime she strove to induce him to use for worthy purposes at least a small part of his "inordinate fortune".

What are some synonyms for "inordinate fortune"?

Some synonyms for "inordinate fortune" include "excessive wealth", "undue prosperity", or "remarkable luck". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "inordinate fortune" in formal writing?

Yes, "inordinate fortune" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, be mindful that it can sometimes sound slightly antiquated. Consider alternatives if a more modern tone is desired.

What's the difference between "inordinate fortune" and "good fortune"?

"Good fortune" generally refers to having positive luck or favorable circumstances. "Inordinate fortune" implies that the amount of luck or wealth is excessive or disproportionate. It carries a stronger emphasis on the magnitude of the fortune.