unspeakable

adjective

un·​speak·​able ˌən-ˈspē-kə-bəl 

1

a

: incapable of being expressed in words : unutterable

… each heaved a sigh of unspeakable relief.

—Frank Norris

b

: inexpressibly bad : horrendous

unspeakable living conditions

unspeakable evil

2

: that may not or cannot be spoken

… the bawdy thoughts that come into one's head—the unspeakable words …

—L. P. Smith

unspeakable collections of consonants

—Rosemary Jellis

unspeakably

ˌən-ˈspē-kə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of unspeakable

• incredible
• indescribable
• unutterable
• ineffable
• inexpressible
• incommunicable
• indefinable

Examples of unspeakable in a Sentence

the unspeakable horror of war

continually encountered unspeakable beauty in their travels through the Alps

Recent Examples on the Web

At the heart of this speculative novel is an unspeakable atrocity that serves as the premise of Kathy’s life. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026

After the complex chain of causes that the rest of the film has detailed, this final image stands as a single unspeakable effect. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2026

The expressions of dissent were silenced with unspeakable violence. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026

Mom and mental health advocate Meghan Cliffel wonders why others only seem concerned about the condition in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy. — Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

unspeakable

adjective

un·​speak·​able ˌən-ˈspē-kə-bəl 

ˈən-

1

: impossible to express in words

unspeakable beauty of the sunset

2

: extremely bad

unspeakable conduct

unspeakably

-blē 

adverb