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triple figure

C1/C2
UK/ˌtrɪp.əl ˈfɪɡ.əz/US/ˌtrɪp.əl ˈfɪɡ.jɚz/

Formal to semi-formal, journalistic, business, sports commentary.

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Definition

Meaning

A number ranging from 100 to 999.

Used to denote a significant quantity, typically in the context of scores, prices, temperatures, or attendance, where reaching or exceeding one hundred is noteworthy.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The term is plural ('figures'). It often implies a threshold or benchmark. It is more common in British English (BrE). In AmE, 'three figures' or 'triple digits' are more frequent.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

BrE strongly prefers 'triple figures'. AmE uses 'triple digits' and 'three figures' more commonly.

Connotations

In BrE, it often conveys a sense of achievement or notable size (e.g., a high score, large crowd). In AmE, 'triple digits' can carry a stronger association with extreme temperatures or financial figures.

Frequency

Much more frequent in BrE corpus data. In AmE, 'triple digits' is the dominant equivalent.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
reach triple figureshit triple figuresin triple figures
medium
temperatures in triple figuresa triple-figure sumcrowd in triple figures
weak
cost triple figuresscore triple figuresestimated at triple figures

Grammar

Valency Patterns

SUBJ + V + triple figures (The temperature hit triple figures.)BE + in + triple figures (Attendance was in triple figures.)

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

triple digits (AmE)

Neutral

three figuresa hundred or more

Weak

over a hundreda three-digit number

Vocabulary

Antonyms

double figuressingle figuresbelow a hundred

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “To break into triple figures (to exceed 99).”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

'The company's losses ran into triple figures.'

Academic

Rare; used in describing statistical data ranges.

Everyday

'I doubt the repair bill will reach triple figures.'

Technical

Used in meteorology (temperatures) or sports statistics (scores).

Examples

By Part of Speech

adjective

British English

  • The player achieved a triple-figure score.
  • They agreed a triple-figure settlement.

Examples

By CEFR Level

B1
  • The final score was in triple figures.
  • Temperatures rarely reach triple figures here.
B2
  • After the auction, the painting was expected to sell for a sum well into triple figures.
  • The heatwave pushed temperatures into triple figures across the south.
C1
  • The company's legal costs have now comfortably surpassed the triple-figure mark, raising concerns among shareholders.
  • Charity donations flooded in, with many contributions reaching triple figures.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a THREE-legged tripod. TRIPLE figures start at ONE HUNDRED (1 followed by two zeros, making three digits in total).

Conceptual Metaphor

QUANTITY IS SIZE / ACHIEVEMENT IS REACHING A TARGET (Reaching triple figures is a milestone).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Do not translate literally as 'тройная фигура'. Use 'трехзначное число', 'больше ста', or 'свыше ста'.
  • The plural 'figures' is essential; do not use 'figure' singular.
  • It is an adjective-noun phrase, not a compound noun.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'triple figure' (singular).
  • Using it for numbers below 100 (e.g., 'triple figures like 75').
  • Confusing with 'double figures' (10-99).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
After the scorching weekend, the mercury is predicted to hit again on Monday.
Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the most common American English equivalent for 'triple figures'?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It is almost exclusively 'triple figures' (plural).

Yes, it means 100 or more, up to 999. It includes 100.

British English uses 'triple figures'. American English prefers 'triple digits' or 'three figures'.

Yes, commonly for prices, costs, salaries, or donations (e.g., 'a triple-figure salary').