unmentionable

1 of 2

adjective

un·​men·​tion·​able ˌən-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nə-bəl 

: not fit or allowed to be mentioned or discussed : unspeakable

an unmentionable topic

unmentionable

2 of 2

noun

: one that is not to be mentioned or discussed: such as

a

unmentionables ˌən-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nə-bəlz  plural : pants sense 1

b

unmentionables plural : underwear

Synonyms of unmentionable

Noun

• underwear

Examples of unmentionable in a Sentence

Adjective

There are certain topics that are considered to be unmentionable.

Noun

he was standing there in the cold, clad only in his unmentionables

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There are also a couple of hints that the fate of Europe’s Jews is part of the prevailing atmosphere of unmentionable moral contagion. — Christopher Tayler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Talking makes the unmentionable mentionable. — Richard Balkin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026

Noun

For those worried that hot courses like steaks or bowlfuls of soup can harm their unprotected unmentionables, Ali says all guests should exercise common sense and use their lap towel. — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Dirt, dust, pet hair, and more unmentionables that end up on your floors are no match for the best cordless vacuums on Amazon. — Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1657, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1791, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unmentionable

• pensionable

Kids Definition

unmentionable

adjective

un·​men·​tion·​able

ˌən-ˈmench-(ə-)nə-bəl, 

ˈən-

: not fit or proper to be talked about