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

He said it was “inconceivable” that one of the defendants could have done it without the complicity and encouragement of the others.

From BBC

Ms Wareham from Human Rights Watch added: "So much progress has been made over the past 25 years under the framework provided by the international treaty banning landmines. So it's just inconceivable that the US would take this step."

From BBC

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

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

Related Words

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