inestimable

adjective

in·​es·​ti·​ma·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈne-stə-mə-bəl 

1

: incapable of being estimated or computed

storms caused inestimable damage

2

: too valuable or excellent to be measured or appreciated

has performed an inestimable service for his country

inestimably

(ˌ)i-ˈne-stə-mə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• invaluable
• priceless

Examples of inestimable in a Sentence

He has made inestimable contributions to our society.

Einstein's inestimable contributions to science.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Appalachian Trail is a point of pride for people there, for people in the midst of losing everything; saying it is destroyed based on no data adds insult to inestimable injury. —Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 4 Oct. 2024

Along with three of my much smarter, much more entertaining colleagues: Doyle McManus, Lorraine Ali and the inestimable Mark Z. Barabak. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2024

Around a third of its surface area enjoys some sort of conservation status, making Asturias an ecological resource of inestimable value. —Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024

An inestimable chunk belongs to American citizens, permanent residents, and others in the United States neither suspected nor accused of any crime. —Dell Cameron, WIRED, 11 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin inaestimabilis, from in- + aestimabilis estimable

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inestimable

adjective

in·​es·​ti·​ma·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈes-tə-mə-bəl 

1

: impossible to estimate

did inestimable damage

2

: too valuable or excellent to be measured or appreciated

inestimably

-blē 

adverb