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

For a band as extreme as ours, that would have been unthinkable. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2024

Such an outcome would have been unthinkable just five years ago, when young Europeans were thought to be more likely to throw a milkshake at a far-right politician than vote for one. —Yasmeen Serhan, TIME, 18 June 2024

Widespread closures – once unthinkable – are being considered from coast to coast. —Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 June 2024

Watts’ unthinkable act of shooting and murdering her — in front of Watts’ innocent three year old child — has shattered this family. —Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 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