imponderable

[ im-pon-der-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not ponderable; that cannot be precisely determined, measured, or evaluated.

noun

1. an imponderable thing, force, agency, etc.

imponderable

/ ɪmˈpɒndərəbəl; -drəbəl /

adjective

1. unable to be weighed or assessed

noun

1. something difficult or impossible to assess

Derived Forms

• imˌponderaˈbility, noun
• imˈponderably, adverb

Other Words From

• im·ponder·a·bili·ty im·ponder·a·ble·ness noun
• im·ponder·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of imponderable¹

From the Medieval Latin word imponderābilis, dating back to 1785–95. See im- ², ponderable

Example Sentences

It is an imponderable question, but the beginnings of the answer to the first part look like they are already being seen.

From BBC

This apparent to-be-or-not-to-be moment initiates a story that finds him wrestling with imponderables, having anguished meltdowns and trying to realize his utopian project using a building material he has invented as he navigates assorted hurdles.

From New York Times

“Nolan’s latest may well be full of sound and fury, signifying nothing, or it may signify something imponderably resonant, and signify it forward, backward and inside out. Does your head hurt yet?”

From Los Angeles Times

These are all imponderables in the aftermath of his sacking, but what is not in doubt is Rooney's reputation has suffered serious damage at Birmingham.

From BBC

He adds, however, that there are "imponderables" in the council data, including the fact that people turned back by so-called greeters outside polling stations were not included in the published figures.

From BBC