adjective

massive

/ˈmæsɪv/ · say it: MAS·iv

large, heavy, and solid

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) very large in size, amount, or degree

2. (adjective) affecting or involving many people; widespread

Examples

1. The company made a massive profit last year.
2. There was a massive protest against the new law.

How to use massive

Massive is a common, emphatic adjective used in both formal and informal contexts to describe something notably large or impactful. It carries a sense of weight and importance, making it stronger than merely 'large' but less precise than more specific measurements. It is frequently used in media, casual speech, and professional writing.

Common phrases

massive increase
massive scale
massive support
massive investment
massive damage

Synonyms

huge · enormous · colossal · substantial · considerable

Opposites

tiny · insignificant · minimal

Word family

mass · massively · massiveness

A common mistake

Learners sometimes overuse 'massive' in contexts where a more neutral adjective like 'large' or 'significant' would be more appropriate, or they confuse it with 'dense' (which refers to compactness or concentration).

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