English Reference
adjective

tremendous

adj.
US /tɹəˈmɛndəs/ UK /tɹəmˈɛndəs/ tremen·dous

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    extremely large in amount, size, or degree.

    denoting an immense scale or degree of something. Often used to emphasize the magnitude of an effort, amount, or physical size.

    Simple

    The project was a success, but it required a tremendous amount of work from everyone.

    In context

    The sudden shift in global trade routes has placed a tremendous strain on the local infrastructure, necessitating immediate government intervention.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    very good or impressive.

    notable for excellence or power; used as an emphatic synonym for 'excellent' or 'wonderful'.

    Simple

    You did a tremendous job on the presentation today.

    In context

    The soloist gave a tremendous performance, earning a standing ovation from the normally reserved audience.

Usage tremendous amount · tremendous challenge

That said, thank you to everyone for the tremendous amount of kindness and support you have sent me.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

The impact was tremendous as they won their next 13 games in a row.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

Adapted borrowing of Latin tremendus (“fearful, terrible”, gerundive of tremō (“to tremble”)) + -ous. Doublet of tremend.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated