unthinkable

adjective

un·​think·​able ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl 

1

: not capable of being grasped by the mind

2

: being contrary to what is reasonable, desirable, or probable : being out of the question

unthinkability

ˌən-ˌthiŋ-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

unthinkably

ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• fantastic
• fantastical
• implausible
• inconceivable
• incredible
• incredulous
• unbelievable
• uncompelling
• unconceivable
• unconvincing
• unimaginable

Examples of unthinkable in a Sentence

to most people it seemed unthinkable that such a gentle man could be guilty of such awful crimes

Recent Examples on the Web

That would have been unthinkable a generation earlier when Big Pharma lobbied Congress to prohibit such a policy. —Dylan Scott, Vox, 6 Dec. 2024

Be inspired by the sacrifices of the Pilgrims at our first Thanksgiving — overcoming hardships that would be unthinkable today. —Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024

Even four years ago, such a concession by Sisi to Biden would have been unthinkable. —Michael Wahid Hanna, Foreign Affairs, 26 Nov. 2024

In a move that would have likely been unthinkable just a few years ago, WNBA stars A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark are choosing rest over additional playing time, declining to join the new Unrivaled basketball league launching in January 2025. —Lindsey Darvin, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unthinkable

• the unthinkable

Kids Definition

unthinkable

adjective

un·​think·​able ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl 

ˈən-

: not to be thought of or considered as possible

unthinkable cruelty