inordinate time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inordinate time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a duration of time that is excessive or unreasonable in relation to a particular task or situation. Example: "The project took an inordinate time to complete, far exceeding our initial estimates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

We are kept waiting for an inordinate time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I have spent an inordinate time in bookshops and libraries.

The Guardian - Books

But, collectively, we spend inordinate time and resources on inspection.

The Guardian

Many other groups spend inordinate time and money challenging government warnings and on needless bureaucracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

This document takes an inordinate time to get to the point.

The Guardian - Film

Yes, the C of E can be bumbling and take an inordinate time to resolve its internal disputes.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

In German, it serves something like the couplings on a long freight train, say a "unit' (hundred-car) train such as those that keep one waiting inordinate times at level crossing.

Stanford University

Difficult samples may consume inordinate examiner time and produce suboptimal information, generating DNA backlogs and inconclusive results [5].

Plosone

"She really steered the ship well in times with an inordinate amount of time between NIH directors," says Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Science Magazine

The Senate gives inordinate power to time-servers particularly bloody-minded time-servers particularlyy populated states.

The Economist

An inordinate amount of time was spent haggling with clients.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inordinate time", ensure the context clearly indicates what the excessive time is in relation to. For example, "spending an inordinate time on a minor task" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "inordinate time" when simply describing a long duration without a negative connotation. Opt for neutral terms like "lengthy period" instead, as "inordinate" implies excessiveness or unreasonableness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inordinate time" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun or verb phrase to indicate that an action or event requires or consumes an excessive or unreasonable amount of time. As Ludwig AI shows, it is often used to express a negative judgment about the duration involved.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

33%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inordinate time" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes an excessive or unreasonable duration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting that it implies more time is being consumed than necessary. While not exceptionally frequent, it finds common usage in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using "inordinate time", ensure you are conveying a sense of disapproval or inefficiency regarding the time involved, and consider contextually appropriate alternatives such as "excessive time" or "undue time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive time

Emphasizes the quantity of time being more than necessary or normal.

undue time

Suggests that the time spent is inappropriate or unwarranted in the situation.

unreasonable time

Highlights the lack of logic or justification for the amount of time taken.

disproportionate time

Indicates an imbalance in the time allocated compared to other aspects or tasks.

unwarranted time

Suggests the time spent was not justified or deserved.

exorbitant time

Implies an extremely high and unfair amount of time.

protracted duration

Focuses on the extended length of time, often implying tediousness.

lengthy period

Simply describes a long duration, without necessarily implying negativity.

extended timeframe

Highlights the drawn-out nature of the time period.

overlong delay

Emphasizes the excessive duration of a pause or postponement.

FAQs

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

You can use "inordinate time" to describe situations where an unreasonable amount of time is spent on something. For example: "The meeting took an inordinate time to conclude".

What's a good substitute for "inordinate time"?

Alternatives for "inordinate time" include "excessive time", "undue time", or "unreasonable time" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "inordinate time" or "excessive time"?

"Inordinate time" and "excessive time" are both suitable for formal contexts, but "inordinate" may sound slightly more sophisticated or emphatic. The best choice depends on the overall tone you aim for.

What does "inordinate" really mean in the phrase "inordinate time"?

In this context, "inordinate" means exceeding reasonable limits or being disproportionate. It emphasizes that the time spent is more than what is considered normal or acceptable.