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 But a deadly combination of the climate crisis and escalating political tensions on the edge of the Sahara has forced the same previously unthinkable shift onto some 30,000 other herders in Mauritania. Jack Thompson, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 June 2024 Along the way, Keep’s road was littered with unthinkable tragedy, poor decisions and a sprinkle or three of bad timing. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2024 Because the government is almost bankrupt amid a severe economic crisis, the private sector has taken roles previously unthinkable in a communist island that once banned all private property. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 28 May 2024 Their restaurants often feature cocktail lounges, hip-hop soundtracks and colorful sauces, all of which were unthinkable not too long ago. Brett Anderson, New York Times, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for unthinkable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unthinkable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near unthinkable

Cite this Entry

“Unthinkable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unthinkable. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unthinkable

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