unanswerable

[ uhn-an-ser-uh-buhl, -ahn- ]

adjective

1. not capable of being answered; not having a known or discoverable answer:

   an unanswerable question.

2. not open to dispute or rebuttal; irrefutable; conclusive:

   an unanswerable proof.

unanswerable

/ ʌnˈɑːnsərəbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being refuted
2. (of a question) not admitting of any answer

Derived Forms

• unˈanswerableness, noun
• unˈanswerably, adverb

Other Words From

• un·answer·a·ble·ness noun
• un·answer·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unanswerable¹

First recorded in 1605–15; un- ¹ + answerable

Example Sentences

As a filmmaker and a visual art, he looks intently, hoping to glean answers to questions that feel unanswerable.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s no shortage of stories to tell, or unanswerable questions to ask.

From Los Angeles Times

At the same time, rehabilitation efforts remain riddled with unanswerable questions: How do chimpanzees experience traumatic events?

From Salon

“The answer is that it’s unanswerable,” the Louisiana Republican said in response to a question about whether noncitizens were illegally voting.

From Seattle Times

July 29 is the 50th anniversary of her untimely death at 32, a tragedy that still spurs unanswerable questions.

From New York Times

Related Words

• accurate
• authentic
• binding
• compelling
• conclusive
• credible
• good
• lawful
• legal
• legitimate
• logical
• original
• persuasive
• solid
• true
• well-founded