ninety-eighth
C1Formal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number 98; coming next after the ninety-seventh.
Used to denote position, sequence, or a fraction (one part of ninety-eight equal parts).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as an adjective or noun. In fractional form ('a ninety-eighth'), it can function as a noun meaning one of 98 equal parts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in form or usage. Both use hyphenation.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects for sequential numbering, less common in everyday speech than lower ordinals.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the + ninety-eighth + nounbe + the + ninety-eightha + ninety-eighth + of + somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, but possible in long lists or historical references (e.g., 'the ninety-eighth quarterly report').
Academic
Used in historical sequencing, footnotes, or pagination of long works.
Everyday
Most common for birthdays and anniversaries (e.g., 'Her ninety-eighth birthday').
Technical
Used in precise sequencing, such as in chemical compounds, legislative sessions, or software versions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She finished in ninety-eighth place in the marathon.
American English
- He represents the Ninety-eighth Congressional District.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Today is my grandma's ninety-eighth birthday.
- The hotel is on the ninety-eighth floor of the skyscraper.
- The bill was debated during the ninety-eighth session of Parliament.
- A ninety-eighth of the total sample was allocated for the secondary analysis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ninety' plus 'eight' with a lisp on the end: 'ninety-eight-th'.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITION AS A POINT ON A LONG PATH (e.g., 'on the ninety-eighth step of the journey').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation 'девяносто восьмой' is correct. No specific trap, but ensure hyphen is used in English.
Common Mistakes
- Writing as 'ninety eight' or 'ninety-eight' (without the 'th') when ordinal is intended.
- Incorrect pronunciation of the final cluster /tθ/.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct written form for the ordinal number 98?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, ordinal numbers from twenty-first to ninety-ninth are hyphenated.
It's a single, blended sound /tθ/. Practise saying 'eight' and then add a soft 'th' without a break.
Yes, in fractional contexts (e.g., 'one ninety-eighth') or to refer to a person/thing in that position (e.g., 'He was the ninety-eighth to arrive').
In most contexts, the numeral form '98th' or '98th' is an acceptable and common alternative.