adj C2 Proficient

inscrutable

ihn-SKROO-tuhbl

Inscrutable (adj) means Impossible to understand or interpret; mysterious. Example: “His inscrutable expression gave nothing away.”

adj

Impossible to understand or interpret; mysterious.

"His inscrutable expression gave nothing away."

"The ancient text remains largely inscrutable to modern scholars."

How to use inscrutable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo hard to read or figure out that you cannot tell what is really going on.

Common pairings

inscrutable expression remain inscrutable

Word forms

more inscrutable comparative, inscrutables plural, most inscrutable superlative

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His _____ expression gave nothing away.

Etymology

From Late Latin inscrutabilis — in- ("not") plus scrutari, "to examine closely."

Origin: Late Latin

Rhymes for inscrutable

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

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Frequently asked questions

What does “inscrutable” mean?

The word “inscrutable” means impossible to understand or interpret; mysterious. In plain terms, so hard to read or figure out that you cannot tell what is really going on.

How do you pronounce “inscrutable”?

“Inscrutable” is pronounced ihn-SKROO-tuhbl (/ˌɪnˈskɹuːtəbl̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “inscrutable” in a sentence?

Here is “inscrutable” used in a sentence: “His inscrutable expression gave nothing away.”

What part of speech is “inscrutable”?

“Inscrutable” is an adjective.

Where does the word “inscrutable” come from?

The word “inscrutable” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin inscrutabilis — in- ("not") plus scrutari, "to examine closely.".

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