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

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 notes

In plain EnglishSo unlikely or hard to imagine that it feels impossible.

Common pairings

seem inconceivable inconceivable that virtually inconceivable

Word forms

more inconceivable comparative, most inconceivable superlative

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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").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for inconceivable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

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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.