Word
numerous
Phoneticsnu·mer·ous, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnumɝəs/
UK/njˈuːməɹəs/
Definition
adj. existing in large numbers.
adj. consisting of or existing in a great number; used as a formal synonym for 'many'.
Examples
“There are numerous reasons why I love this city.”
“The author received numerous awards for her latest novel about the history of jazz.”
“Despite numerous attempts to resolve the conflict through diplomatic channels, the two nations remained at a stalemate regarding their shared maritime border.”
Examples
simple
“There are numerous reasons why I love this city.”
contextual
“The author received numerous awards for her latest novel about the history of jazz.”
complex
“Despite numerous attempts to resolve the conflict through diplomatic channels, the two nations remained at a stalemate regarding their shared maritime border.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “numerous” in context.
Verb
01. cite numerous examples
“The professor cited numerous examples of historical architecture during his lecture.”
verb + adj + noun
02. face numerous challenges
“Small businesses face numerous challenges when trying to compete with global corporations.”
verb + adj + noun
03. win numerous awards
“The film has won numerous awards for its cinematography and original score.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
04. numerous attempts
“Despite numerous attempts to fix the engine, the car still wouldn't start.”
adj + noun
05. numerous complaints
“The customer service department received numerous complaints about the new software update.”
adj + noun
06. numerous occasions
“We have met on numerous occasions to discuss the progress of the project.”
adj + noun
07. numerous studies
“Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise significantly improves mental health.”
adj + noun
Preposition
08. in numerous ways
“The new policy will benefit the local community in numerous ways.”
prep + adj + noun
09. numerous instances
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective before a plural noun.
Teaching tip
While 'many' is suitable for all contexts, 'numerous' is preferred in academic writing and formal reports to provide variety and precision.
Pitfall
There were numerous of people at the event.
There were numerous people at the event.
Unlike 'hundreds' or 'thousands', 'numerous' is an adjective that describes the noun directly. Do not use 'of' after it.
Real-World Examples
“Wells-Wonsley also described the numerous professional and personal attacks she has received since her son’s death.” “Southampton hosts one of the numerous government-backed trials around England.” Etymology
From Middle English numerous from Latin numerōsus (“numerous, abundant; harmonious”), from numerus (“number”). Doublet of numerose. Analyzeable as numero- + -ous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
- Register
- Formal
QR code
englishreference.com/q/numerous