incomprehensible
30 synonyms and 2 antonyms for incomprehensible, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — So confusing or badly explained that it cannot be understood.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use incomprehensible
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French incomprehensible, from Latin incomprehēnsibilis, built from in- ("not") plus comprehendere ("to grasp, seize mentally").
Full origin of incomprehensible →Frequently asked questions
What does “incomprehensible” mean?
The word “incomprehensible” means so confusing or badly explained that it cannot be understood. In plain terms, impossible to understand or make sense of.
How do you pronounce “incomprehensible”?
“Incomprehensible” is pronounced ihn-komp-rih-HEHN-sihbl (/ɪnˌkɑmpɹəˈhɛnsɪb(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “incomprehensible” in a sentence?
Here is “incomprehensible” used in a sentence: “The legal contract was written in incomprehensible jargon.”
What is another word for “incomprehensible”?
Words with a similar meaning to “incomprehensible” include fathomless, unfathomable, unintelligible, abstruse, Chinese and dense.
What is the opposite of “incomprehensible”?
The opposite of “incomprehensible” — its antonyms — are comprehensible and understandable.
What part of speech is “incomprehensible”?
“Incomprehensible” is an adjective.
Where does the word “incomprehensible” come from?
The word “incomprehensible” comes from Latin. From Middle French incomprehensible, from Latin incomprehēnsibilis, built from in- ("not") plus comprehendere ("to grasp, seize mentally").
Is “incomprehensible” a common word?
“Incomprehensible” is an uncommon word in modern English.