enormity enor·mi·ty noun \i-ˈnȯr-mə-tē\ : a shocking, evil, or immoral act : great evil or wickedness : great size plural enor·mi·ties Full Definition of ENORMITY 1 : an outrageous, improper, vicious, or immoral act 2 : the quality or state of being immoderate, monstrous, or outrageous; especially : great wickedness 3 : the quality or state of being huge : immensity 4 : a quality of momentous importance or impact See enormity defined for English-language learners » See enormity defined for kids » Usage Discussion of ENORMITY Enormity, some people insist, is improperly used to denote large size. They insist on enormousness for this meaning, and would limit enormity to the meaning great wickedness. Those who urge such a limitation may not recognize the subtlety with which enormity is actually used. It regularly denotes a considerable departure from the expected or normal . When used to denote large size, either literal or figurative, it usually suggests something so large as to seem overwhelming and may even be used to suggest both great size and deviation from morality . It can also emphasize the momentousness of what has happened or of its consequences . One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that? » Examples of ENORMITY We were shocked at the enormity of the crime. They didn't fully grasp the enormity of their decision. First Known Use of ENORMITY 15th century Related to ENORMITY Synonyms atrociousness, atrocity, badness, depravedness, depravity, diabolicalness, evilness, heinousness, hideousness, monstrosity, sinfulness, vileness, wickedness Antonyms goodness, righteousness, virtuousness [+]more Rhymes with ENORMITY conformity, deformity Learn More About ENORMITY Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "enormity" Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "enormity" SCRABBLE ® : Playable words you can make from "enormity" Browse Next Word in the Dictionary: enormous Previous Word in the Dictionary: enormious All Words Near: enormity