WordGarden.iountold
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌntˈəʊld/
US
- /ənˈtoʊld/
Meanings
Adjective
too great in number, amount, or degree to be counted fully
not told, revealed, or made known
Beyond the definition
"Untold" describes something so great that it cannot be counted or measured easily, like the untold stories hidden in an old city or the untold riches of a pirate's treasure. It also means not revealed or not spoken about; secrets often remain untold. You might hear about "untold suffering" during times of war, meaning terrible hardship on a very large scale.
The power of "untold" lies in its suggestion of something hidden, vast, or hard to fully grasp. Think of an "untold number of stars" - we know there are many, but not exactly how many. Or a tale that remains untold, waiting to be discovered. It's more than just "many"; it also carries a sense of mystery.
The word "untold" carries a sense of both scale and secrecy. It can describe something so numerous or so great that it is hard or impossible to count, measure, or fully express - think of the untold possibilities that lie ahead, or the untold damage caused by a storm. In this sense, the word emphasizes sheer size, amount, or intensity.
However, "untold" also means not revealed, not spoken, or not shared. It suggests a story left unspoken, a secret kept hidden, or a truth that has not yet come to light. "The untold history of the region" implies that there are stories and experiences that have not been documented or widely known. This meaning often carries emotional weight, especially when it points to pain, loss, or injustice.
You might encounter "untold" in phrases like "untold riches," suggesting wealth beyond imagination, or "untold hardships," describing extreme suffering. It can also be used to emphasize the sheer amount of something, as in "The war caused untold suffering" or "They found untold treasures in the ruins."
The beauty of "untold" is its ambiguity. It invites us to imagine what lies beneath the surface - whether it is a vast amount or a hidden truth, it always suggests more than we can plainly see. So when you encounter this word, remember that it points both to what is immense and to what remains unsaid.
Examples
- 1
Human suffering
The war brought untold suffering to the region.
- 2
Disaster damage
A fire like that can cause untold damage in minutes.
- 3
Medical benefits
The new treatment could bring untold benefits to patients.
- 4
Caregiving time
She spent untold hours looking after her mother.
- Phraseuntold hours
a very large number of hours
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Hidden history
The documentary tells the untold story of the nurses who worked behind the front lines.
- Phrasethe untold story of
a story that has not been widely told before
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- untold suffering
- untold damage
- untold hardship
- untold riches
Word family
- un-
- told
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- untoldadjective