implacable

adjective

im·​pla·​ca·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈpla-kə-bəl How to pronounce implacable (audio) -ˈplā- How to pronounce implacable (audio)
: not placable : not capable of being appeased, significantly changed, or mitigated
an implacable enemy
implacability noun
implacably adverb

Did you know?

Implacable is rooted in Latin placare, meaning "to soothe," but its im- prefix is a variant of the negating prefix in- (as in inactive) and it signals that there’s nothing warm and fuzzy here. Someone or something described as implacable cannot be soothed, which usually means trouble: implacable is most often attached to words like foe, enemy, hatred and hostility. The opposite of implacable is, of course, placable; it means "easily soothed," but sadly isn’t called upon very often. Another placare word is likely more familiar. Placate means "to soothe or appease"; it’s frequently applied when an angry person is made to feel less so.

Examples of implacable in a Sentence

He has an implacable hatred for his political opponents. an implacable judge who knew in his bones that the cover-up extended to the highest levels of government
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In the eighth, L.A. took a 7–6 lead, while Treinen remained implacable. Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024 In 2024: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Jack Jones Dies: ‘The Love Boat’, ‘Wives And Lovers’ Singer Was 86 In online remembrances, former colleagues recalled Malone’s implacable wit and command of words. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024 In Horse Crazy, his implacable skepticism forces the reader to consider the alienating effects of an era characterized by lethal STIs, unrepentant capitalism, bulldozed cultural history, and pervasive substance addiction. Daniel Felsenthal, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024 Ditto the compositions that present the conclave as either an impeccable, implacable source of collective menace or render these fussin’, feudin’ cardinals as figures straight off the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for implacable 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin implacabilis, from in- + placabilis placable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of implacable was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near implacable

Cite this Entry

“Implacable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/implacable. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

implacable

adjective
im·​pla·​ca·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈplak-ə-bəl How to pronounce implacable (audio) -ˈplā-kə- How to pronounce implacable (audio)
: not possible to please, satisfy, or change
an implacable enemy
implacability noun
implacably
-ˈplak-ə-blē How to pronounce implacable (audio)
-ˈplā-kə-
adverb

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