inexpressible

[ in-ik-spres-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not expressible; incapable of being uttered or described in words:

   a scene of inexpressible beauty.

noun

1. inexpressibles, Archaic. trousers; pants.

inexpressible

/ ˌɪnɪkˈsprɛsəbəl /

adjective

1. too great, etc, to be expressed or uttered; indescribable

Derived Forms

• ˌinexˌpressiˈbility, noun
• ˌinexˈpressibly, adverb

Other Words From

• inex·pressi·bili·ty inex·pressi·ble·ness noun
• inex·pressi·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inexpressible¹

First recorded in 1615–25; in- ³ + expressible ( def )

Example Sentences

The often monumental sculptures serve as challenging and emotional reminders of the vital role of art to express the inexpressible.

From Seattle Times

“While we are grateful for the closure that has been provided, nothing will bring Terry back. The void left by her absence over the years is inexpressible.”

From Seattle Times

It reveals much about the inner lives of people with non-verbal autism, worlds that often remain devastatingly inexpressible.

From Los Angeles Times

“Happy Place” is funny at points, but it is also the closest that Henry has come to writing an old-school melodrama, a heart-rending plot that struggles to express the inexpressible.

From Washington Post

In its appeal, the Justice Department described the Sutherland Springs attack as an “inexpressible tragedy” but argued it could not be more responsible than Kelley.

From Washington Post