adj Uncommon

unthinkable

uhn-THIHNG-kuh-buhl

Unthinkable (adj) means So extreme or unlikely that it seems impossible to imagine happening. Example: “A second global pandemic seemed unthinkable just a decade earlier.”

adj

So extreme or unlikely that it seems impossible to imagine happening.

"A second global pandemic seemed unthinkable just a decade earlier."

"It was unthinkable that she would ever quit the family business."

Completely unacceptable according to normal standards of behaviour.

"Speaking to elders that way would have been unthinkable in his household."

How to use unthinkable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo extreme, shocking, or unlikely you can barely picture it happening.

Common pairings

unthinkable tragedy once unthinkable unthinkable consequences

Word forms

more unthinkable comparative, unthinkables plural, most unthinkable superlative

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A second global pandemic seemed _____ just a decade earlier.

Rhymes for unthinkable

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

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Frequently asked questions

What does “unthinkable” mean?

The word “unthinkable” means so extreme or unlikely that it seems impossible to imagine happening. In plain terms, so extreme, shocking, or unlikely you can barely picture it happening.

How do you pronounce “unthinkable”?

“Unthinkable” is pronounced uhn-THIHNG-kuh-buhl (/ʌnˈθɪŋkəbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “unthinkable” in a sentence?

Here is “unthinkable” used in a sentence: “A second global pandemic seemed unthinkable just a decade earlier.”

What part of speech is “unthinkable”?

“Unthinkable” is an adjective.

Is “unthinkable” a common word?

“Unthinkable” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “unthinkable” have?

“Unthinkable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: so extreme or unlikely that it seems impossible to imagine happening.

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