almighty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal when referring to God; informal and emphatic as an intensifier.
Quick answer
What does “almighty” mean?
having complete and unlimited power.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
having complete and unlimited power; omnipotent, often used as an epithet for God.
Used informally as an intensifier to describe something as extremely great, large, or loud.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Frequency of informal use ('an almighty crash') is similar.
Connotations
Same theological and informal connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in religious contexts; informal intensifier use is slightly more colloquial but widespread in both.
Grammar
How to Use “almighty” in a Sentence
premodifier of a noun (the Almighty God)postpositive after 'the' (pray to the Almighty)intensifier before a noun (an almighty mess)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “almighty” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- They prayed to Almighty God for guidance.
- There was an almighty bang from the kitchen.
American English
- We trust in the Almighty Father.
- The team is in an almighty struggle for the playoffs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; possible in hyperbolic expressions e.g., 'We face an almighty challenge this quarter.'
Academic
Mostly in theological, philosophical, or historical texts discussing divine attributes.
Everyday
Common in informal speech as an intensifier: 'I made an almighty fool of myself.'
Technical
Not used in technical registers outside of specific religious studies contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “almighty”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “almighty”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “almighty”
- Misspelling as 'allmighty' (should be one word).
- Using lowercase for 'the Almighty' when referring to God.
- Overusing the informal intensifier in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its primary formal meaning refers to God (the Almighty), it is very commonly used informally as a strong intensifier meaning 'huge' or 'tremendous', as in 'an almighty mistake'.
Capitalize 'Almighty' when it is used as a noun directly referring to God (e.g., 'pray to the Almighty'). Do not capitalize it when used as an adjective or an informal intensifier (e.g., 'almighty power', 'an almighty crash').
They are synonyms in theological contexts meaning 'all-powerful'. 'Almighty' is more common in general religious language and as an informal intensifier. 'Omnipotent' is more formal, academic, and specifically denotes an abstract philosophical attribute.
No, 'almighty' is not standardly used as an adverb. The adverbial form 'almightily' is obsolete and not used in modern English.
having complete and unlimited power.
Almighty is usually formal when referring to god; informal and emphatic as an intensifier. in register.
Almighty: in British English it is pronounced /ɔːlˈmaɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɑːlˈmaɪti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the powers that be (related concept)”
- “by almighty God! (archaic oath)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ALL + MIGHTY' - having ALL the might (power) imaginable.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS SIZE / VOLUME (e.g., 'almighty roar' equates loudness with power).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'almighty' used as a formal, proper noun?