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

But, again, China is left wondering what has driven someone to such inconceivable horror.

From BBC

And it seems inconceivable that the tech giant would play such a big role in our lives without people knowing who founded it, and owned a sizeable chunk of the firm.

From BBC

The prosecution said it was “inconceivable” that any of the adults could have carried out the abuse “without the complicity, participation, assistance and encouragement of the others”.

From BBC

It is not inconceivable this feat could be completed within three years.

From BBC

If Kamala Harris turns out to be an unpopular president — which is hardly inconceivable given that she has been an unpopular vice president — voting her out would, almost by definition, mean voting a Republican in.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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