inimitable

adjective

in·​im·​i·​ta·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈni-mə-tə-bəl How to pronounce inimitable (audio)
: not capable of being imitated : matchless
her own inimitable style
inimitableness noun
inimitably adverb

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How Should You Use inimitable?

Something that is inimitable is, literally, not able to be imitated. In actual usage the word describes things so uniquely extraordinary as to not be copied or equaled, which is why you often hear it used to praise outstanding talents or performances (or uniquely talented and incomparable individuals). (The less common antonym imitable describes things that are common or ordinary and could easily be replicated.) Inimitable comes, via Middle English, from the Latin adjective inimitabilis. Be careful not to confuse it with inimical or inimicable, two adjectives meaning “hostile” or “harmful”; those words come from a different Latin root.

Examples of inimitable in a Sentence

an inimitable performer of violin solos
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.
The metal shift gate and heavy clutch remind the driver that this is a Ferrari after all, as does the inimitable pitch of the engine revving to its 7,500 rpm redline. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025 Her cheeks were glowing with the inimitable rosy flush that launched a thousand makeup tutorials. Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025 The actor took to the streets of Paris to carry the event’s iconic flame in his inimitable style ahead of the event’s opening ceremony. Raven Brunner, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025 It has just been announced that their fearless leader, the inimitable Dave King, is currently battling a very serious health condition. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for inimitable 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inimitabilis, from in- + imitabilis imitable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Dictionary Entries Near inimitable

Cite this Entry

“Inimitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inimitable. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

inimitable

adjective
in·​im·​i·​ta·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈim-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce inimitable (audio)
: not capable of being imitated : matchless
her own inimitable style

More from Merriam-Webster on inimitable

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