adj
Uncommon
incomprehensible
ihn-komp-rih-HEHN-sihbl
Incomprehensible (adj) means So confusing or badly explained that it cannot be understood. Example: “The legal contract was written in incomprehensible jargon.”
adj
1
So confusing or badly explained that it cannot be understood.
"The legal contract was written in incomprehensible jargon."
"His mumbled excuse was completely incomprehensible."
How to use incomprehensible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishImpossible to understand or make sense of.
Common mistake
Don't mix it up with "comprehensive" (thorough, complete) — the two words look similar but mean very different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
incomprehensible jargon
utterly incomprehensible
incomprehensible to outsiders
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like incomprehensible.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- incomprehensibles
- Comparative
- more incomprehensible
- Superlative
- most incomprehensible
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The legal contract was written in _____ jargon.
Etymology
From Middle French incomprehensible, from Latin incomprehēnsibilis, built from in- ("not") plus comprehendere ("to grasp, seize mentally").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for incomprehensible
See all rhymes for 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.
