inimitable
adjective
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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. (The antonym imitable describes things that are common or ordinary and could easily be replicated or surpassed.) Inimitable derives via Middle English from Latin inimitabilis. Be careful not to confuse it with inimical or inimicable, two adjectives meaning "hostile" or "harmful"; those words derive from the same Latin root that gave English enemy—inimīcus.
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Examples of inimitable in a Sentence
Ellise Shafer, Variety, 22 Apr. 2024
In and amongst other top-notch sporting talents: the inimitable Serena Williams, who took time out to share some wit and wisdom with Vogue in her hotel room, starting with her number-one piece of advice for the next generation of sportswomen.
—Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2024
Flashing his inimitable combination of self-absorption and policy incoherence, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee helped tank the congressional reauthorization of an essential safeguard against anti-American regimes and foreign terrorists.
—The Editors, National Review, 12 Apr. 2024
There is endless evidence for this, but an example that always sticks with me is one given by the inimitable Sheryl Sandberg in her book Lean In.
—Anya Meyerowitz, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024
Getty Images Most Popular Legendary artists including Picasso and Matisse famously drew inspiration from the French Riviera, citing the inimitable light and the spectacular front-row views of the Mediterranean.
—Amy Louise Bailey, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2024
His inimitable touch keeps us connected to every part of the view.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024
This will change market-by-market but, suffice to say, Green Chartreuse is inimitable.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2024
The essence of the inimitable country icon has been funneled into a darling new figurine, complete with a glittering orange bodysuit and bold blue eyeshadow.
—Melissa Epifano, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inimitable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Inimitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inimitable. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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inimitable
adjective
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