Word
abundant
Phoneticsabun·dant
US/əˈbəndənt/
UK/ɐbˈʌndənt/
Definitions
01plentiful
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. existing in large quantities; more than enough.
adj. present in great quantity; fully sufficient or overflowing.
“The island has abundant fresh water and fruit, so nobody goes hungry.”
“The region is famous for its abundant natural resources, which have fueled industrial growth for over a century.”
Usage
Often used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be'.
02richly supplied with
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. having a lot of something good or useful.
adj. richly supplied or abounding with a particular resource or quality; typically follows the pattern 'abundant in'.
“The valley is abundant in wildlife, especially rare birds.”
“The local diet is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which researchers believe contributes to the population's longevity.”
Usage
Frequently takes the preposition 'in'.
Teaching tip
This sense is more formal than simply saying 'has a lot of'.
03abundant number
C2 · Proficiency Mathematics Technical
adj. a special kind of number in math where its parts add up to more than the number itself.
adj. referring to a natural number for which the sum of its proper divisors is greater than the number itself.
“The number 12 is abundant because its divisors 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 add up to 16.”
“In number theory, an abundant number is distinguished from perfect and deficient numbers by the sum of its aliquot parts.”
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialized mathematical term and is rarely encountered in general English.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “abundant” in context.
Adjective
01. abundant evidence
“There is abundant evidence to suggest that regular exercise improves mental health.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Iron is one of the most abundant elements in Earth's crust and an essential metal for most living organisms.” “These include traces of giant crocodiles , birds and pterosaurs , as well as abundant dinosaur tracks .” “Pickering said: “Thinking that these plants can become abundant again, there is such a big feeling of hope.”
This article was amended on 27 August 2026.” Etymology
First attested about 1380. From Middle English abundaunt, habundaunt, aboundant, from Anglo-Norman abundant, from Old French abondant, from Latin abundāns, present participle of abundō (“to overflow, to abound”). Compare abound.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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