unthinkable

adjective

un·​think·​able ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl How to pronounce unthinkable (audio)
1
: not capable of being grasped by the mind
2
: being contrary to what is reasonable, desirable, or probable : being out of the question
unthinkability noun
unthinkably adverb

Examples of unthinkable in a Sentence

to most people it seemed unthinkable that such a gentle man could be guilty of such awful crimes
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gwyneth Paltrow, Shakespeare in Love Best Director: Steven Spielberg, Saving Private Ryan The idea of formerly notorious bachelor Warren Beatty (front row, center, on Oscar statue) having an actress on his lap wouldn’t be unthinkable in most contexts. Zach Schonfeld, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025 The Sabres had been playing better before the break but this is still a team firmly in 16th in the East, headed to the draft lottery for an unthinkable 13th consecutive season. Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025 For the previous generation of American leaders, the notion of going into the belly of the European Union and delivering such a stern rebuke to high-ranking European statesmen would have been unthinkable. Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 Their stories of survival are also implicit pleas to the world: Never forget humanity’s capacity to commit unthinkable crimes. Jesse Kirsch, NBC News, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unthinkable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unthinkable was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unthinkable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unthinkable. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

unthinkable

adjective
un·​think·​able ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl How to pronounce unthinkable (audio)
ˈən-
: not to be thought of or considered as possible
unthinkable cruelty

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