enormous

adjective

enor·​mous i-ˈnȯr-məs 

ē-

1

: marked by extraordinarily great size, number, or degree

especially : exceeding usual bounds or accepted notions

2

a

: exceedingly wicked : shocking

an enormous sin

b

archaic : abnormal, inordinate

enormousness noun

Enormity vs. Enormousness: Usage Guide

The original meanings that enormity carried related to great wickedness, and some assert that enormity should today only be used with such meanings, and that enormousness is the proper word to use to mean "large size." Despite these claims, enormity frequently refers to large size, either literal or figurative, though it usually suggests something so large as to seem overwhelming.

the enormity of the task at hand

Enormity can also refer to a shocking, evil, or immoral act

the enormities of war

and it can also suggest both great size and deviation from morality.

The enormity of existing stockpiles of atomic weapons …

—New Republic

Enormity can also emphasize the momentousness of what has happened or of its consequences.

not fully grasping the enormity of their decision

It's worth noting that enormousness formerly shared the disagreeable meanings that enormity still carries, but it now means merely "large size."

Synonyms of enormous

• huge
• vast
• tremendous
• gigantic
• massive
• giant
• colossal
• immense
• mammoth
• monumental
• astronomical

Choose the Right Synonym for enormous

enormous, immense, huge, vast, gigantic, colossal, mammoth mean exceedingly large.

enormous and immense both suggest an exceeding of all ordinary bounds in size or amount or degree, but enormous often adds an implication of abnormality or monstrousness.

an enormous expense

an immense shopping mall

huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

vast usually suggests immensity of extent.

the vast Russian steppes

gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

Examples of enormous in a Sentence

They live in an enormous house.

We chose not to undertake the project because of the enormous costs involved.

Recent Examples on the Web

Construction in the Arizona desert damaged an enormous Indigenous ground etching resembling a fish that is thought to be at least 1,000 years old. —Jake Spring, Washington Post, 1 May 2026

Surging cloud revenue and raised capital expenditure (capex) guidance demonstrate that the company’s enormous investments are potentially paying off more quickly than many—perhaps even many within the company—had anticipated. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 1 May 2026

Connecticut governors and legislatures failed to save properly for pensions for seven decades prior to 2011, effectively forfeiting tens of billions in potential investment earnings and creating an enormous legacy of debt. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026

The Kentucky Derby has an enormous field of 20 horses. —Peter Keating, New York Times, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin enormis, from e, ex out of + norma rule

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Rhymes for enormous

• pyriformis

Kids Definition

enormous

adjective

enor·​mous i-ˈnȯr-məs 

: extraordinarily great in size, number, or degree

enormously adverb

enormousness noun