unknowable

adjective

un·​know·​able ˌən-ˈnō-ə-bəl How to pronounce unknowable (audio)
: not knowable
especially : lying beyond the limits of human experience or understanding
unknowability noun

Examples of unknowable in a Sentence

a God whose nature is unknown and unknowable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whether or not Lennon or McCartney would buy Leslie’s analysis is of course unknowable, and more important, likely won’t matter to most readers. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Mike Flanagan’s latest film has the trappings of some of his past projects — a Stephen King adaptation, spooky and unknowable moments, appearances from his close collaborators — but is undoubtedly the director’s riskiest work. William Earl, Variety, 5 June 2025 His expansive vision of the ’80s rings out like a clarion call for a new era of rigorous artistic engagement with the unknowable and the unseen. Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 One yearns for idiosyncrasy, a stroke of the unknowable, some transmission from a plane of inspiration inaccessible to ordinary mortals. Charles Bramesco, IndieWire, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unknowable

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unknowable was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unknowable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unknowable. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

unknowable

adjective
un·​know·​able ˌən-ˈnō-ə-bəl How to pronounce unknowable (audio)
ˈən-
: not knowable
some facts in the case may remain unknowable

More from Merriam-Webster on unknowable

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