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

The strongest fiscal conservatives in Congress, by contrast, have used the threat of default to extract concessions on spending that would have otherwise been unthinkable. —W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Jan. 2025

The discussion of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve in the U.S. Senate - unthinkable just a few years ago - represents a fundamental shift in how government officials view cryptocurrency's role in the national economy. —Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Bieber signing any sort of extension in Cleveland seemed unthinkable at this time last year. —Jason Lloyd, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

Investors are now confronting the risk of what once seemed unthinkable: China’s 10-year bond yields sinking below those of Japan, which currently pay around 1.04%, and potentially sliding even further from there. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 13 Dec. 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