unclassifiable

adjective

un·​clas·​si·​fi·​able ˌən-ˌkla-sə-ˈfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce unclassifiable (audio)
: unable to be classified : not classifiable
unclassifiable writers like Rudyard Kipling …George Stade
… a collection of essays, magazine pieces and unclassifiable musings …Kate Jennings
unclassifiably adverb
unclassifiableness noun

Examples of unclassifiable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And so his nearly unclassifiable and inexhaustible solo act was of a piece with his literary calling. Jeremy Lybarger, The New Republic, 17 Oct. 2023 Per logline, the sixth season of Black Mirror is the most unpredictable, unclassifiable and unexpected yet. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Apr. 2023 The work was too iconoclastic and withholding and unclassifiable for mainstream consumption, always demanding that the audience meet him on his terms, never theirs. Vulture, 27 May 2023 The concerts Wright has presented have showcased everything from contemporary classical, outside-the-box jazz and electronica to entirely improvised music and an altogether unclassifiable amalgamation of styles. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Nov. 2021 Recorded a few years before Bob Dylan detonated a folk explosion in the Village, these songs were also nearly unclassifiable. Jeremy Lybarger, The New Republic, 24 Apr. 2023 This unclassifiable novel melds experimental form and film discourse with a terrifying horror story. Boris Kachka, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2023 Indeed, Clampitt was one of a kind, her work stubbornly and satisfyingly unclassifiable. Malcolm Forbes, WSJ, 24 Feb. 2023 After all, he’s got a reputation as an unclassifiable innovator to live up to. Armond White, National Review, 15 Feb. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unclassifiable was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near unclassifiable

Cite this Entry

“Unclassifiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unclassifiable. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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