adj

unspeakable

Unspeakable (adj) means So terrible or shocking that it is hard to put into words. Example: “The disaster caused unspeakable suffering for the survivors.”

adj

So terrible or shocking that it is hard to put into words.

"The disaster caused unspeakable suffering for the survivors."

"They witnessed unspeakable cruelty during the war."

Not permitted or fit to be said, especially due to taboo.

"The word was considered unspeakable in polite company."

How to use unspeakable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishToo awful, or too taboo, to describe in words.

Common pairings

unspeakable horror unspeakable crime unspeakable acts

Word forms

more unspeakable comparative, unspeakables plural, most unspeakable superlative

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The disaster caused _____ suffering for the survivors.

Etymology

From Middle English unspekable, equivalent to un- + speakable.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for unspeakable

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

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Frequently asked questions

What does “unspeakable” mean?

The word “unspeakable” means so terrible or shocking that it is hard to put into words. In plain terms, too awful, or too taboo, to describe in words.

How do you use “unspeakable” in a sentence?

Here is “unspeakable” used in a sentence: “The disaster caused unspeakable suffering for the survivors.”

What part of speech is “unspeakable”?

“Unspeakable” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “unspeakable” have?

“Unspeakable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: so terrible or shocking that it is hard to put into words.