incomprehensible

adjective

in·​com·​pre·​hen·​si·​ble (ˌ)in-ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce incomprehensible (audio)
1
: impossible to comprehend : unintelligible
incomprehensible instructions
2
archaic : having or subject to no limits
incomprehensibleness noun
incomprehensibly adverb

Examples of incomprehensible in a Sentence

I found his behavior utterly incomprehensible. It's incomprehensible to me that he could have acted that way.
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.
In a brittle, anxious, nonlinear, incomprehensible (BANI) world where change is the only constant, the leadership traits that once earned respect—tenacity, decisiveness and stoicism—are no longer enough. Arthi Rabikrisson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Each episode represents an hour in the staff’s frenetic, 15-hour day that culminates with a mass casualty shooting and an incomprehensible case of the measles involving an unvaccinated child. Lynette Rice, Deadline, 12 June 2025 All of us who loved her have had to find a way to make peace with her incomprehensible choice. Liz McNeil, People.com, 3 June 2025 What was over the hill was unknown and what went on behind a nation's borders was incomprehensible. David Szondy may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for incomprehensible

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin incomprehensibilis, from in- + comprehensibilis comprehensible

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of incomprehensible was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incomprehensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incomprehensible. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

incomprehensible

adjective
in·​com·​pre·​hen·​si·​ble (ˌ)in-ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce incomprehensible (audio)
: impossible to understand
found their behavior incomprehensible
incomprehensibility noun
incomprehensibly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on incomprehensible

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