incalculable

adjective

in·​cal·​cu·​la·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈkal-kyə-lə-bəl 

: not capable of being calculated: such as

a

: very great

did incalculable damage

b

: not predictable : uncertain

an incalculable outcome

incalculability

(ˌ)in-ˌkal-kyə-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

incalculably

(ˌ)in-ˈkal-kyə-lə-blē 

adverb

Examples of incalculable in a Sentence

The extent of the damage is incalculable.

The collection is of incalculable value to historians.

The future consequences of their decision are incalculable.

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s had an incalculable impact on us all and will live on in our hearts, seep through our skin and sleep in the deepest parts of our imaginations. —Brent Lang, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024

In other words, the president could, without consulting any other human being, launch a nuclear weapon—with incalculable consequences for all of humanity. —Anthony Lake, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2024

Despite clear enforcement problems, GDPR has had an incalculable effect on data practices broadly. —Matt Burgess, WIRED, 23 May 2022

Furthermore, the damage done by a lack of planning in this arena is incalculable, unlike most of financial planning. —Tim Maurer, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin incalculābilis, from Latin in- in- entry 1 + New Latin calculābilis calculable

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

incalculable

adjective

in·​cal·​cu·​la·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈkal-kyə-lə-bəl 

: not able to be calculated: as

a

: very great

b

: not able to be predicted

incalculability

(ˌ)in-ˌkal-kyə-lə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

incalculably

(ˈ)in-ˈkal-kyə-lə-blē 

adverb