What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
umpteen
Example
I've seen that movie umpteen times. [umpteen: adjective]
Example
She's been to umpteen concerts this year. [umpteen: noun]
countless
Example
There are countless stars in the sky. [countless: adjective]
Example
The number of grains of sand on the beach is countless. [countless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Countless is more commonly used than umpteen in everyday language. Countless is a more precise and formal term that can be used in various contexts, while umpteen is more colloquial and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between umpteen and countless?
Countless is a more formal term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while umpteen is more informal and typically used in casual conversations.