Definition

Adjective: Used to emphasize that something has happened or been done a very large, indefinite number of times. It indicates an unspecified but high ordinal position in a series.

Usage

The word "umpteenth" is used informally to express annoyance, humor, or emphasis about the repetition of an event. It always precedes a singular noun (e.g., time, attempt, meeting). It is often used in the phrase "for the umpteenth time."

Examples

• "I've told you for the umpteenth time to clean your room." (Emphasizing that the instruction has been given many, many times.)
• "This is my umpteenth attempt to get the printer to work." (Indicating a very high number of failed attempts.)
• "She asked the umpteenth question during the lecture." (Suggesting an excessive number of questions.)

Advanced Usage

• "To do something for the umpteenth time": This is the most common collocation, used to express great frustration or weariness with repetition.
  • He explained the rule for the umpteenth time, but no one seemed to listen.

Variants and Related Words

• Umpteen (determiner/adjective): An informal word for a very large, indefinite number. It modifies plural nouns.
  • I've been there umpteen times.
• Umpteenth can be stylized as "umpty-umpth" or "umptieth" in very informal or humorous contexts, though "umpteenth" is standard.

Synonyms

• Nth: (More formal, often used in mathematics and logic) Denoting an unspecified member of a series.
  • This is the nth version of the proposal.
• Countless: Too many to be counted; innumerable.
• Manifold: Many and of various kinds. (More formal and literary)

Related Idioms

• "For the hundredth time": A similar idiom expressing frustration with repetition, though it specifies a number.
• "Time and time again": Repeatedly on many occasions.

Adjective

1. last in an indefinitely numerous series