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

And if that’s not enough, Werner Herzog is on the ballot for providing his inimitable narration to his own film, the National Geographic/Disney Plus release Ghost Elephants. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026

Then the canvas was left to the inimitable and inevitable Messi, who at age 38 scored three goals in stupefying fashion (and nearly a fourth that was offside) on the way to a 3-0 victory. — Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026

Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Gerard Butler, Al Pacino and the inimitable Martin Scorsese round out the starriest film at Tribeca. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 3 June 2026

Zidane played with an inimitable kind of measured grace. — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 31 May 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