Uncountable

Definition

Uncountable describes something that cannot be counted as individual units; in grammar, it refers to nouns that cannot usually be used in the plural form or preceded directly by numerals. It may also denote a quantity or amount that is too large or too numerous to count.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun (in grammar: “an uncountable,” meaning an uncountable noun)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ʌnˈkaʊn.tə.bəl/
• Respelling: un-KOWN-tə-buhl

British English

• IPA: /ʌnˈkaʊn.tə.bəl/
• Respelling: un-KOWN-tə-buhl

Etymology

Late 18th century: from un- “not” + countable, meaning “not able to be counted.”

Derivatives

• uncountably (adverb)
• uncountability (noun)

Synonyms

• innumerable
• countless
• numberless

Antonyms

• countable
• enumerable

Usage

"Water is an uncountable noun—you cannot say ‘waters’ when referring to the substance."

"She faced uncountable challenges during her journey."

Related Terms

• Mass noun: A noun that denotes uncountable substances or concepts.
• Count noun: A noun that can take a plural form and be counted.
• Noncount: Another term for uncountable.
• Quantifier: A word or phrase that expresses quantity (e.g., “much,” “many”).
• Plural: The form of a noun used for more than one.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Not able to be counted – incapable of being enumerated as separate, discrete units.
  • Example: "Sand on the beach is uncountable; you cannot say ‘fifteen sands.’"
• Grammar: of nouns that lack a plural form – denoting nouns that cannot appear with numerals without a measure word.
  • Example: "Information is uncountable, so we ask ‘How much information?’ not ‘How many informations?’"

Noun

• An uncountable noun – a noun that denotes a substance or concept that is not counted directly.
  • Example: "‘Rice’ functions as an uncountable in English grammar."