What does monumental mean?
Monumental describes something that is exceptionally large, impressive, or important, and often suggests that it will remain significant for a long time. The word is commonly applied to ambitious projects, difficult tasks, major achievements, imposing buildings, and works of art. Its use conveys a sense of scale, permanence, and historical weight: a monumental effort may be difficult and consequential, while a monumental sculpture may dominate the space around it. Although the term can indicate physical size, it can also describe intellectual or cultural importance. In everyday writing, it is usually a strong and somewhat formal adjective, so writers often use it when something deserves special emphasis rather than when merely describing an ordinary object or event.
adjectiveExtremely large, impressive, or important; especially notable for its lasting significance or scale.
- Of extremely large size or impressive scale.
- Of such importance or significance as to be remembered for a long time.
"The restoration of the cathedral was a monumental undertaking that brought together craftspeople from across the country."
"The mountain range formed a monumental barrier between the two regions."
"Her research on climate change was a monumental contribution to environmental science."
A monumental idea can reshape an entire era, while a monumental building can simply be impossible to ignore.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monumental come from?
Monumental derives from Latin monumentalis, meaning “of or relating to a monument.” The word is based on monumentum, a term associated with a memorial, statue, or other object erected to commemorate a person, event, or achievement. Monumental entered English in the 17th century in the sense of “pertaining to a monument,” and its modern use for anything exceptionally large or historically important developed later.
Related word forms
How monumental is actually used
The adjective is commonly used for projects, achievements, buildings, artworks, and events that are unusually large, influential, or historically significant. It is generally formal and emphatic rather than neutral.