# enormity

/iˈnɔɹməti/ (US) · /ɪnˈɔːmɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enormity
Updated: 2026-10-08

## Definition

the great size or scale of something, especially something that is very serious or difficult. It can also mean a very evil or cruel act.

For teachers: the great scale or seriousness of a situation or event; also refers to an act of extreme wickedness. Often used to describe the overwhelming nature of a task or tragedy.

## Examples

- The enormity of the task began to sink in.
- Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, she was struck by the sheer enormity of the landscape.
- Historians continue to grapple with the moral enormity of the regime's actions during the war, seeking to understand how such systemic cruelty became possible.

## Synonyms

vastness, magnitude, atrocity, wickedness, monstrosity, enormousness, immensity

## Antonyms

triviality, insignificance, smallness

## Pitfalls

- Not "the enormity of his house" but "the enormousness of his house" — In strict formal usage, enormity refers to the scale of something bad or overwhelming, while enormousness refers to physical size.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used to mean 'great size', though some traditionalists argue it should only refer to 'great wickedness'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.