unthinkable

1 of 2

adjective

un·​think·​able ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl 

1

: not capable of being grasped by the mind

2

: being contrary to what is reasonable, desirable, or probable : being out of the question

unthinkability

ˌən-ˌthiŋ-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

unthinkably

ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-blē 

adverb

unthinkability

2 of 2

noun

un·​think·​abil·​i·​ty ¦ənˌthiŋkə¦bilətē 

: the quality or state of being unthinkable

Synonyms of unthinkable

Adjective

• incredible
• unlikely
• incredulous
• impossible
• inconceivable
• unimaginable
• unbelievable

Examples of unthinkable in a Sentence

Adjective

to most people it seemed unthinkable that such a gentle man could be guilty of such awful crimes

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Recently, Rodríguez was photographed in a once-unthinkable meeting with uniformed IDF brass overseeing Israeli rescue efforts in the wake of two powerful earthquakes that have devastated Venezuela’s coastal region. — Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026

Reaching mainstream heights was once unthinkable for this radical, uncompromising act, but Paul sensed new horizons in the recording studio. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 20 July 2026

Before this day is done, we shall be faced with an unthinkable decision. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 20 July 2026

This might have been an unthinkable approach to an event held in the States as recently as a couple of decades ago, before the globalization of pop got vast American audiences singing along with hits in languages other than English. — Judy Berman, Time, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unthinkable

• the unthinkable

Rhymes for unthinkable

• thinkable

Kids Definition

unthinkable

adjective

un·​think·​able ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl 

ˈən-

: not to be thought of or considered as possible

unthinkable cruelty