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

Mr Haas also said the idea that J&J hid the contaminated contents of its products from the public, government and other groups was "inconceivable and false".

From BBC

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

From BBC

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