monumental
Meaning(s)
1. great in importance or size
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Low
Social
How to Memorize
a monumental challenge/undertaking/problem/effort
Analysis
Something monumental is significant in size or impact. A 'monumental challenge' for example is a huge challenge that cannot be easily overcome. A 'monumental mistake' is one that cannot be corrected easily and has huge consequences. Something 'monumental' may also serve as a monument. "That was a monumental case for the high court." 'Monumental' is an adjective that is used more often in formal speech or writing.
Social Examples (Advance)
- The new recruits had a monumental challenge ahead of them. It was going to be tough.
- The building was going to be the tallest in the world. Its construction was a monumental undertaking.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- It had started off as a slight glitch in the system, but no one had bothered fixing it, so it became a monumental problem that affected sales.
- I'd like to thank everyone for their hard work this year. It's been a monumental effort to get us all to this point, but it's been worth it. Well done!