Countless: meaning, definitions and examples
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countless
[ ˈkaʊntlɪs ]
used to describe a large number or quantity
Too numerous to count or measure. Innumerable. Incalculable. Boundless.
Synonyms
boundless, incalculable, innumerable, numerous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| countless |
Used to emphasize a very large number, often when it's hard to count them exactly.
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| numerous |
Commonly used to describe a large number of countable things, slightly less emphatic than 'countless'.
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| innumerable |
Describes something that is too many to be counted, often used in a formal or literary context.
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| incalculable |
Used when something is extremely large or its value cannot be calculated, often relating to impact or consequences.
|
| boundless |
Typically used to describe something that seems to have no limits, often in a metaphorical sense.
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Examples of usage
- There are countless stars in the universe.
- We face countless challenges in our daily lives.
- The artist created countless paintings during his lifetime.
used to emphasize the extent or degree of something
Very many; innumerable or incalculable. Extremely.
Synonyms
extremely, incalculable, innumerable, very many.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| countless |
Used when describing something that is so numerous it’s impossible to count. Often denotes an overwhelming amount and can be used in both positive and negative contexts, but typically remains neutral.
|
| very many |
A more conversational and less formal way to describe a large number, often used in everyday speech.
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| innumerable |
Similar to 'countless', it refers to something that cannot be counted due to its large quantity. It is slightly more formal and is often used in scientific or academic contexts.
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| incalculable |
Refers to something that is beyond calculation due to its vastness or complexity, often used in contexts indicating abstract value or future consequences.
|
| extremely |
Used to describe an intensifier for extreme levels of an adjective, rather than quantity. It conveys a very high degree of something.
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Examples of usage
- She has read countless books on the subject.
- There are countless ways to achieve success.
Translations
Translations of the word "countless" in other languages:
🇵🇹 incontável
🇮🇳 अनगिनत (Anaginat)
🇩🇪 unzählig
🇮🇩 tak terhitung
🇺🇦 незліченний
🇵🇱 niezliczony
🇯🇵 数え切れない (kazoekirenai)
🇫🇷 innombrable
🇪🇸 incontable
🇹🇷 sayısız
🇰🇷 셀 수 없는 (sel su eomneun)
🇸🇦 لا يحصى (la yuhsa)
🇨🇿 nespočetný
🇸🇰 nespočetný
🇨🇳 无数的 (wúshù de)
🇸🇮 neštet
🇮🇸 óteljandi
🇰🇿 сансыз (sansyz)
🇬🇪 უამრავი (uamaravi)
🇦🇿 sayısız
🇲🇽 incontable
Etymology
The word 'countless' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the combination of 'count' and the suffix '-less'. It has been used to express the concept of a number or quantity too great to be counted or measured. Over time, 'countless' has become a common adjective and adverb in the English language, emphasizing the vastness or extent of something.
See also: count, countable, countenance, counter, counting, county, discount, encounter, recount, recounted, uncountable.