Word
untold
Phoneticsun·told, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈtoʊɫd/
UK/ʌntˈəʊld/
Definition
adj. too much or too great to be counted or measured. You use this to describe a huge amount of something, like money, damage, or suffering.
adj. too great or numerous to be counted or measured; also refers to something that has not been revealed or narrated. Often used for dramatic emphasis in literary or journalistic contexts.
Examples
“The storm caused untold damage to the coastal towns.”
“The discovery of the ancient tomb brought untold wealth to the small village and changed its economy forever.”
“Historians believe that the archives contain untold stories of resistance that could fundamentally reshape our understanding of the occupation period.”
Examples
simple
“The storm caused untold damage to the coastal towns.”
contextual
“The discovery of the ancient tomb brought untold wealth to the small village and changed its economy forever.”
complex
“Historians believe that the archives contain untold stories of resistance that could fundamentally reshape our understanding of the occupation period.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun to emphasize scale or mystery.
Real-World Examples
“Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin said his thoughts and prayers were with the injured and the death of the five teenage boys brought untold grief.” “Although it's closed, its title, "Encyclopedia of Human Tissue," promises untold secrets.” Etymology
From Old English unteald (“not counted or reckoned”), from tellan (“count, relate, tell”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/untold