unthinkable

adjective

un·​think·​able ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl How to pronounce unthinkable (audio)
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 noun
unthinkably adverb

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
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.
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 See all Example Sentences for unthinkable 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near unthinkable

Cite this Entry

“Unthinkable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unthinkable. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

unthinkable

adjective
un·​think·​able ˌən-ˈthiŋ-kə-bəl How to pronounce unthinkable (audio)
ˈən-
: not to be thought of or considered as possible
unthinkable cruelty

More from Merriam-Webster on unthinkable

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