C1adjective2K

Countless

UK /["/ˈkaʊntləs/"]/US /["/ˈkaʊntləs/"]/

Definition

very many; too many to be counted or mentioned

In simple words: too many to count

Examples

  • I've warned her countless times.
  • The new treatment could save Emma's life and the lives of countless others.

Usage notes

Used in both spoken and written contexts. It's more common in formal writing, but can be used in everyday conversation as well. Avoid in very casual settings.

Grammar pattern

countless + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'count less' - too many to count!

Collocations

  • countless opportunities
  • countless stars
  • countless hours
  • countless reasons
  • countless times

Synonyms

  • innumerable
  • countless
  • myriad
  • unquantifiable
  • infinite

Antonyms

  • few
  • limited
  • scarce

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'countable' which refers to numbers
  • Using it in a negative form incorrectly, e.g., 'not countless'
  • Omitting the noun after 'countless'