# plethora

/ˈpɫɛθɝə/ (US) · /plˈɛθəɹɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plethora
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a large amount

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

a very large amount of something, especially more than you need.

For teachers: an excessive amount or number; an abundance that may feel overwhelming.

- The website offers a plethora of information, which can be a bit confusing.
- The report cited a plethora of reasons for the project's failure, ranging from poor budget management to a lack of clear leadership.

Usage: Usually followed by the preposition 'of' and a plural noun.

### 2. excess of blood

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a medical condition where there is too much blood in the body or a specific area, like the face.

For teachers: a bodily condition characterized by an excess of blood or other fluids; often manifests as a reddish complexion.

- The doctor noticed a plethora in the patient's face, suggesting high blood pressure.
- Clinical observation revealed a marked plethora, indicating a significant increase in total blood volume that required immediate diagnostic attention.

## Examples

- The store offers a plethora of choices for every budget.
- The report provides a plethora of data, but it fails to offer a clear solution to the problem.
- While the internet provides a plethora of information on any given topic, the sheer volume often makes it difficult for researchers to distinguish credible sources from misinformation.

---

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.