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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn plain EnglishToo awful, or too taboo, to describe in words.
Common pairings
unspeakable horror
unspeakable crime
unspeakable acts
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Word forms
- Plural
- unspeakables
- Comparative
- more unspeakable
- Superlative
- most unspeakable
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The disaster caused _____ suffering for the survivors.
Etymology
It comes from Middle English unspekable, made up of un- and speakable.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for unspeakable
See all rhymes for unspeakable →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.
