English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adj

untouchable

uhn-TUHT-shuh-buhl

Untouchable (adj) means Impossible to touch, harm, or bring down. Example: “With his connections, the crime boss felt untouchable.”

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adj

1

Impossible to touch, harm, or bring down.

"With his connections, the crime boss felt untouchable."

"The champion looked untouchable in the final round."

noun

1

A member of the lowest, most discriminated-against group in the traditional Indian caste system.

"The book documents the historical treatment of untouchables in South Asia."

How to use untouchable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCan't be touched, beaten, or punished, or (as a noun) a person historically placed outside the caste system in India.

When to use it

The caste-related noun sense refers to a historical and discriminatory social category; 'Dalit' is the term generally preferred today.

Common pairings

feel untouchable seem untouchable

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more untouchable comparative, untouchables plural, most untouchable superlative

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Fill the gap

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With his connections, the crime boss felt _____.

Synonyms

Harijan

Rhymes for untouchable

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

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Frequently asked questions

What does “untouchable” mean?

The word “untouchable” means impossible to touch, harm, or bring down. In plain terms, can't be touched, beaten, or punished, or (as a noun) a person historically placed outside the caste system in India.

How do you pronounce “untouchable”?

“Untouchable” is pronounced uhn-TUHT-shuh-buhl (/ʌnˈtʌtʃəbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “untouchable” in a sentence?

Here is “untouchable” used in a sentence: “With his connections, the crime boss felt untouchable.”

What part of speech is “untouchable”?

Depending on how it is used, “untouchable” can be an adjective and a noun.

How many meanings does “untouchable” have?

“Untouchable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: impossible to touch, harm, or bring down.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial