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

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 notes

In 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

comprehensive →

Common pairings

incomprehensible jargon utterly incomprehensible incomprehensible to outsiders

Word forms

more incomprehensible comparative, incomprehensibles plural, most incomprehensible superlative

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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").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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fathomless unfathomable unintelligible abstruse Chinese dense enigmatic Greek inapprehensible incognizable ineffable inenubilable

Antonyms

comprehensible understandable

Related words

hard Chinese stupid heavy solid Greek tight thick

Rhymes for incomprehensible

Bible edible legible visible audible fungible feasible tangible possible flexible gullible sensible

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.

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