inconceivable

[ in-kuhn-see-vuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not conceivable; unimaginable; unthinkable
2. unbelievable; incredible.

inconceivable

/ ˌɪnkənˈsiːvəbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being conceived, imagined, or considered

Derived Forms

• ˌinconˈceivably, adverb
• ˌinconˌceivaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• incon·ceiva·bili·ty incon·ceiva·ble·ness noun
• incon·ceiva·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inconceivable¹

First recorded in 1625–35; in- ³ + conceivable

Example Sentences

But, again, China is left wondering what has driven someone to such inconceivable horror.

From BBC

The former president doesn’t like to share the spotlight; if Musk’s profile threatens Trump’s, it’s not inconceivable the two will have a falling-out.

From Slate

And it seems inconceivable that the tech giant would play such a big role in our lives without people knowing who founded it, and owned a sizeable chunk of the firm.

From BBC

The prosecution said it was “inconceivable” that any of the adults could have carried out the abuse “without the complicity, participation, assistance and encouragement of the others”.

From BBC

It is not inconceivable this feat could be completed within three years.

From BBC

Related Words

• extraordinary
• implausible
• impossible
• improbable
• incredible
• mind-boggling
• strange
• unbelievable
• unheard-of
• unimaginable
• unthinkable