adj
Uncommon
inconceivable
ihn-kuhn-SEE-vuh-bl
Inconceivable (adj) means So unlikely or strange that it is hard to even imagine happening. Example: “It was inconceivable that the small startup could beat a global tech giant.”
adj
1
So unlikely or strange that it is hard to even imagine happening.
"It was inconceivable that the small startup could beat a global tech giant."
"A world without the internet is almost inconceivable to most young people today."
How to use inconceivable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo unlikely or hard to imagine that it feels impossible.
Common pairings
seem inconceivable
inconceivable that
virtually inconceivable
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more inconceivable
- Superlative
- most inconceivable
Fill the gap
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It was _____ that the small startup could beat a global tech giant.
Etymology
From in- ("not") plus conceivable, from Latin concipere ("to take in, form in the mind").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for inconceivable
See all rhymes for inconceivable →Frequently asked questions
What does “inconceivable” mean?
The word “inconceivable” means so unlikely or strange that it is hard to even imagine happening. In plain terms, so unlikely or hard to imagine that it feels impossible.
How do you pronounce “inconceivable”?
“Inconceivable” is pronounced ihn-kuhn-SEE-vuh-bl (/ɪn.kənˈsiː.və.bl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “inconceivable” in a sentence?
Here is “inconceivable” used in a sentence: “It was inconceivable that the small startup could beat a global tech giant.”
What part of speech is “inconceivable”?
“Inconceivable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “inconceivable” come from?
The word “inconceivable” comes from Latin. From in- ("not") plus conceivable, from Latin concipere ("to take in, form in the mind").
Is “inconceivable” a common word?
“Inconceivable” is an uncommon word in modern English.
