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

Their bond begins to fray, and betrayal—once utterly unthinkable—now becomes all too possible. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024

The final six outs were stressful, with Blake Treinen taking care of the eighth, and — in another unthinkable turn — starting pitcher Walker Buehler emerging for the save in the ninth. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024

And now, the 18-years-old who stands at an unthinkable 7 feet, 9 inches is hoping to grow his skills on the basketball court and kickstart a potential NBA career. —Sean Neumann, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Royce Neeley, the bourbon and moonshine mastermind behind Neeley Family Distillery in Sparta, has an unthinkable accolade in his trophy case. —Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 29 Oct. 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