inconceivable

adjective

in·​con·​ceiv·​able ˌin-kən-ˈsē-və-bəl How to pronounce inconceivable (audio)
: not conceivable: such as
b
: impossible to comprehend
inconceivability noun
inconceivableness noun
inconceivably adverb

Examples of inconceivable in a Sentence

The fire caused an inconceivable amount of damage. After coming this far, to quit now would be inconceivable.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not long ago, parting ways with this Hall of Fame caliber player was inconceivable. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2025 The remains rested there until 2015, when the Department of Defense — using DNA to do what was once inconceivable — began painstakingly identifying them and locating next of kin, many of whom had since moved and died. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 6 Dec. 2024 Now the inconceivable is happening: Pheasants are vanishing. Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2024 That such a debate exists seemed inconceivable at this time last year when Adam Peters became Washington’s general manager. Ben Standig, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inconceivable

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconceivable was in 1624

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Cite this Entry

“Inconceivable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconceivable. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

inconceivable

adjective
in·​con·​ceiv·​able ˌin-kən-ˈsē-və-bəl How to pronounce inconceivable (audio)
: impossible to imagine or believe
inconceivably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inconceivable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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