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Interminable: meaning, definitions and examples

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interminable

 

[ ɪnˈtɜr.mɪn.ə.bəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

lengthy duration

Interminable refers to something that seems to last for an indefinite or endless amount of time. It often describes tasks, processes, or discussions that feel drawn-out and without conclusion. The term conveys a sense of frustration or tedium associated with prolonged duration. While it is often used in casual conversation, it can also appear in literature to emphasize certain themes like monotony or despair.

Synonyms

ceaseless, constant, endless, perpetual, unending

Examples of usage

  • The meeting felt interminable, dragging on for hours.
  • We faced an interminable wait at the airport.
  • His interminable lectures often made students restless.

Translations

Translations of the word "interminable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 interminável

🇮🇳 अनंत

🇩🇪 unendlich

🇮🇩 tak berkesudahan

🇺🇦 безкінечний

🇵🇱 nieskończony

🇯🇵 終わりのない

🇫🇷 interminable

🇪🇸 interminable

🇹🇷 sonsuz

🇰🇷 끝이 없는

🇸🇦 لا نهائي

🇨🇿 nekonečný

🇸🇰 nekonečný

🇨🇳 无尽的

🇸🇮 neskončen

🇮🇸 endaust

🇰🇿 аяқталмайтын

🇬🇪 უსასრულო

🇦🇿 sonsuza

🇲🇽 interminable

Etymology

The word 'interminable' originates from the late Middle English word 'interminabilis', which is derived from the Latin 'interminabilis'. The Latin roots consist of 'inter-' meaning 'between' or 'among' and 'terminabilis' which comes from 'terminare' translating to 'to limit' or 'to end'. The combination of these roots further emphasizes the idea of being without limits or an end. It first appeared in the English language during the late 14th century, used primarily in literary contexts. Over time, its usage has broadened, and it is now commonly employed in both spoken and written English to convey the sense of something that seems to continue indefinitely, often to the point of annoyance or boredom.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,150, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.