indefinable

1 of 2

adjective

in·​de·​fin·​able ˌin-di-ˈfī-nə-bəl 

: incapable of being precisely described or analyzed

indefinable feelings

an indefinable concept

indefinability

ˌin-di-ˌfī-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

indefinable noun

indefinableness

ˌin-di-ˈfī-nə-bəl-nəs 

noun

indefinably

ˌin-di-ˈfī-nə-blē 

adverb

indefinability

2 of 2

noun

in·​definability ¦in+ 

: the quality or state of being indefinable

Synonyms of indefinable

Adjective

• incredible
• ineffable
• indescribable
• inexpressible
• unspeakable
• incommunicable
• unutterable
• unexplainable

Examples of indefinable in a Sentence

Adjective

He has an indefinable quality that draws people to him.

some indefinable quality makes that movie star very appealing

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Our movie tastes are determined by some indefinable electrical current of enthusiasm or joy or deep, radiating sadness, or some combination of the three. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 24 Feb. 2026

Of course, beauty is subject to taste and culture and all sorts of indefinable things. —Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026

But there was something intangible at stake: Momentum, that indefinable quality that can define a playoff run. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 2025

For all Sacks’ efforts to remain an indefinable cult figure outside the mainstream, he has lately been caught in Hollywood’s tractor beam, with several film scripts in advanced stages of development. —Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1810, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for indefinable

• assignable
• definable
• undefinable

Kids Definition

indefinable

adjective

in·​de·​fin·​able ˌin-di-ˈfī-nə-bəl 

: incapable of being exactly described or analyzed

indefinably

-blē 

adverb