inestimable

[ in-es-tuh-muh-buhl ]

adjective

1. incapable of being estimated or assessed.
2. too large or great to be estimated or appreciated:

   The flood caused inestimable damage.

3. of incalculable value; valuable beyond measure; priceless:

   jewels of inestimable worth.

inestimable

/ ɪnˈɛstɪməbəl /

adjective

1. not able to be estimated; immeasurable
2. of immeasurable value

Derived Forms

• inˈestimably, adverb
• inˌestimaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• in·esti·ma·bili·ty in·esti·ma·ble·ness noun
• in·esti·ma·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inestimable¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word inaestimābilis. See in- ³, estimable

Example Sentences

So it is that we dare not lose sight of Alexis de Tocqueville’s trenchant observation nearly two centuries ago: “To get the inestimable good that freedom of the press assures, one must know how to submit to the inevitable evil it gives rise to.”

From Salon

“I have given the country back a treasure of inestimable worth, and instead of being thankful, they throw me in jail. It’s the height of ingratitude.”

From Literature

And it’s all out there in a big trash-belt, just waiting to set off an internet-crashing, astronaut-killing catastrophe of inestimable proportion.

From Salon

And it’s all out there in a big trash-belt, just waiting to set off an internet-crashing, astronaut-killing catastrophe of inestimable proportion.

From Salon

He added that he praised those who "guard the inestimable historical and artistic value of the Colosseum with dedication, care and sacrifice".

From BBC