inimitable

adjective

in·​im·​i·​ta·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈni-mə-tə-bəl 

: not capable of being imitated : matchless

her own inimitable style

inimitableness noun

inimitably

(ˌ)i-ˈni-mə-tə-blē 

adverb

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How Should You Use inimitable?

Something that is inimitable is, literally, not able to be imitated. In actual usage the word describes things so uniquely extraordinary as to not be copied or equaled, which is why you often hear it used to praise outstanding talents or performances (or uniquely talented and incomparable individuals). (The less common antonym imitable describes things that are common or ordinary and could easily be replicated.) Inimitable comes, via Middle English, from the Latin adjective inimitabilis. Be careful not to confuse it with inimical or inimicable, two adjectives meaning “hostile” or “harmful”; those words come from a different Latin root.

Synonyms of inimitable

• only
• extraordinary
• excellent
• incomparable
• exceptional
• unparalleled
• matchless
• unique
• unrivaled
• beautiful

Examples of inimitable in a Sentence

an inimitable performer of violin solos

Recent Examples on the Web

Sonny Rollins, the jazz legend dubbed the Saxophone Colossus who redefined the language of the genre with his inimitable improvisational skills, died on Monday at his home in Woodstock, NY. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026

Bemelmans and Melody’s Piano Bar are great options for date night, and a classic is JG Melon—perhaps the antithesis to Caviar Kaspia, but an essential juxtaposition— which takes only cash, and serves its inimitable martini up with baskets of to-die-for burgers and fries. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

Barbra Streisand‘s inimitable career mirrors the fashion choices she’s made for the last several decades. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 May 2026

The day before the islands actually are turned into Christo’s art, the fabric will be delivered to the islands (in inimitable style, by 32 boats intended to arrive simultaneously) and anchored. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin inimitābilis, from in- in- entry 1 + imitābilis imitable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inimitable

• illimitable

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Kids Definition

inimitable

adjective

in·​im·​i·​ta·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈim-ət-ə-bəl 

: not capable of being imitated : matchless

her own inimitable style