inestimable

adjective

in·​es·​ti·​ma·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈne-stə-mə-bəl How to pronounce inestimable (audio)
1
: incapable of being estimated or computed
storms caused inestimable damage
2
: too valuable or excellent to be measured or appreciated
has performed an inestimable service for his country
inestimably adverb

Examples of inestimable in a Sentence

He has made inestimable contributions to our society. Einstein's inestimable contributions to science.
Recent Examples on the Web Along with three of my much smarter, much more entertaining colleagues: Doyle McManus, Lorraine Ali and the inestimable Mark Z. Barabak. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2024 Around a third of its surface area enjoys some sort of conservation status, making Asturias an ecological resource of inestimable value. Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024 An inestimable chunk belongs to American citizens, permanent residents, and others in the United States neither suspected nor accused of any crime. Dell Cameron, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2023 But Marvel’s co-opting of indies has incurred an inestimable cost. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 11 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for inestimable 

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin inaestimabilis, from in- + aestimabilis estimable

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near inestimable

Cite this Entry

“Inestimable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inestimable. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

inestimable

adjective
in·​es·​ti·​ma·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈes-tə-mə-bəl How to pronounce inestimable (audio)
1
: impossible to estimate
did inestimable damage
2
: too valuable or excellent to be measured or appreciated
inestimably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inestimable

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