interminable

/ɪnˈtɜː(ɹ).mɪn.ə.bəl/

Group 34Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
Endless; tediously long
GRE

Example in Context

The interminable delays in the approval process frustrated developers who had been waiting more than two years for final clearance to begin construction.

Etymology

Something that feels like it has NO limits or end.

  • inter- (Latin) — between
  • terminare (Latin) — to limit

Memory Aid

🌀Sounds like “internal able

You feel INTERNAL ABLE to keep listening to a story that’s INTERMINABLY long!

Visual Association

A person sitting in a never-ending lecture while the clock spins wildly, showing time dragging on.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “interminable” mean on the GRE?

interminable (adjective) means “Endless; tediously long”. The interminable delays in the approval process frustrated developers who had been waiting more than two years for final clearance to begin construction.

How to remember “interminable” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “interminable” sounds like “internal able”. You feel INTERNAL ABLE to keep listening to a story that’s INTERMINABLY long!