inimitable
adjective
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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. (The antonym imitable describes things that are common or ordinary and could easily be replicated or surpassed.) Inimitable derives via Middle English from Latin inimitabilis. Be careful not to confuse it with inimical or inimicable, two adjectives meaning "hostile" or "harmful"; those words derive from the same Latin root that gave English enemy—inimīcus.
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Examples of inimitable in a Sentence
Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2024
Like crème de la crème on the soufflé of Bernardo’s inviting voice, the words of dozens of quotable French notables are also shared, dotted amid images; their insights, secrets and joys about the good life in this inimitable country ring clear.
—Laura Manske, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
The inimitable life of the late fashion designer, artist and world traveler Mary McFadden will be celebrated on Nov. 5.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 18 Oct. 2024
Just think about Christopher Landon's Freaky, Joe Lynch's Suitable Flesh, and, of course, Jordan Peele's inimitable Get Out.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inimitable 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inimitable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Inimitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inimitable. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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inimitable
adjective
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