wordy

Wordy is an English adjective used to describe language that uses more words than necessary. It can refer to prose, speech, or writing that is verbose, circuitous, or ornate, rather than concise and direct.

In writing and editing, wordiness is commonly discouraged. Style guides emphasize economy of language, urging writers to delete redundancy, prefer precise terms, and favor active voice when appropriate. A wordy passage can distract readers or obscure meaning, so editors often propose revisions that tighten structure and improve readability. However, a wordy style can be intentional for rhetorical effect, emphasis, or narrative voice.

Etymology-wise, wordy is formed from the noun word with the suffix -y, yielding a descriptive adjective that signals abundance of words. It is typically used in evaluative contexts rather than as a neutral descriptor of any text.

Related terms include verbose, prolix, and long-winded. Antonyms include concise, succinct, and terse. While wordiness is generally viewed negatively in technical and academic writing, the concept also appears in discussions of rhetoric and style where authors weigh the balance between thoroughness and brevity.

Examples: "The report is wordy and repetitive" contrasts with "The report is concise and to the point." In everyday use, calling a passage wordy signals a need to edit for clarity and efficiency, without implying a fault in substance.