inimitable

[ ih-nim-i-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. incapable of being imitated or copied; surpassing imitation; matchless.

inimitable

/ ɪˈnɪmɪtəbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being duplicated or imitated; unique

Derived Forms

• inˌimitaˈbility, noun
• inˈimitably, adverb

Other Words From

• in·imi·ta·bili·ty in·imi·ta·ble·ness noun
• in·imi·ta·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inimitable¹

From the Latin word inimitābilis, dating back to 1525–35. See in- ³, imitable

Example Sentences

Finally, the first new song in six years by Sade Adu — the inimitable lead vocalist of the legendary group Sade — is a candid, extraordinarily moving ballad dedicated to her son, Izaak.

From New York Times

Steeples rise over neighborhoods, cattle graze on open fields and preachers profess God’s inimitable presence in a county that is about 94% white.

From Los Angeles Times

For an island facing threats of military assault from China — which claims the island as part of its territory — a competitive edge in inimitable technology is even more critical.

From Los Angeles Times

On a somewhat lighter note, famed Democratic strategist Carville brought his inimitable eccentric Cajun wit and shrewd political analysis to the festival as the subject of Matthew Tyrnauer’s doc “James Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid!”

From Los Angeles Times

In the spirit of the loud, chaotic, inimitable City of Angels, here are nine wild ideas for making L.A. itself the star in four years’ time.

From Los Angeles Times