unfathomable

adjective

un·​fath·​om·​able ˌən-ˈfa-t͟hə-mə-bəl How to pronounce unfathomable (audio)
: not capable of being fathomed:
b
: impossible to comprehend
unfathomably adverb

Examples of unfathomable in a Sentence

His behavior is completely unfathomable. the unfathomable reaches of space
Recent Examples on the Web Kerr’s research finds that such moments, which transcend the often-painful physical decline in the last days of life, help parents like the O’Neils and other relatives grieve even unfathomable loss. Phoebe Zerwick, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024 Despite the unfathomable emotional pain the Montgomery family has had to endure, Brian has endeavored to turn the experience into something constructive for the world—for society, for the rest of us. Frank H. McCourt Jr., Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 To read now that Santa Clara County, on the heels of the county counsel’s egregious overstepping of their bounds in the preventable deaths of baby Phoenix and other children, now allows parents suspected of abuse to sit in on their children’s interviews is unfathomable. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 With today’s open floor plans, a narrow connecting hallway through the center of the home seems unfathomable and a complete waste. Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 Even after two years of unfathomable violence, Victoria was not prepared for Russia’s final bid to annihilate her city. Marc Santora Tyler Hicks, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2024 The island had forgotten and remembered, revised and disputed, over and over, and yet the unfathomable facts were never fully absorbed, and could always be discovered again. Rebecca Panovka, Harper's Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 The unfathomable thought, of having to bury a child. Cassidy Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2024 But to see Milwaukee hip-hop reach this level of recognition that for so long seemed out of reach suggests other once unfathomable achievements are within reach. Journal Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unfathomable.' 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

1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfathomable was in 1640

Dictionary Entries Near unfathomable

Cite this Entry

“Unfathomable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfathomable. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unfathomable

adjective
un·​fath·​om·​able ˌən-ˈfat͟h-ə-mə-bəl How to pronounce unfathomable (audio)
: not capable of being fathomed:
b
: impossible to understand

More from Merriam-Webster on unfathomable

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