unspeakable

adjective

un·​speak·​able ˌən-ˈspē-kə-bəl How to pronounce unspeakable (audio)
1
a
: incapable of being expressed in words : unutterable
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 wordsL. P. Smith
unspeakable collections of consonantsRosemary Jellis
unspeakably adverb

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
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.
Many of the most damaging storms of recent years caused unspeakable devastation while being far weaker than Category 5. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2025 The Exorcism of God (2021) The Vatican treats him like a king, and the parishioners worship his presence, but Father Peter Williams (Will Beinbrink) has been hiding an unspeakable secret for 18 years. Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025 Atkinson’s later years, however, were also filled with unspeakable tragedy as both of his twin sons, George III and Josh, died 11 months apart. Jon Becker, Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2025 Skinwalkers are believed to be those who have committed unspeakable acts, gaining dark powers in return. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unspeakable

Word History

First Known Use

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Unspeakable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unspeakable. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

unspeakable

adjective
un·​speak·​able ˌən-ˈspē-kə-bəl How to pronounce unspeakable (audio)
ˈən-
1
: impossible to express in words
unspeakable beauty of the sunset
2
: extremely bad
unspeakable conduct
unspeakably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unspeakable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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