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

Allowing able-bodied members of the tribe to consume without helping to produce would have been unthinkable. —John C. Goodman, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024

Political analysts say the pomp of Mr. Fujimori’s wake and funeral would have been unthinkable under previous administrations. —Mitra Taj, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Sep. 2024

The song’s sumptuous Parisian jazz character would have been unthinkable on a Pink Floyd album. —Bill Kopp, SPIN, 5 Sep. 2024

Technologically speaking, this had been previously unthinkable at scale. —Liran Zvibel, Forbes, 16 Aug. 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