unspeakable
Americanadjective
-
not speakable; that may not be spoken.
-
exceeding the power of speech; unutterable; inexpressible; indescribable.
- Synonyms:
- unimaginable, ineffable
-
inexpressibly bad or objectionable.
adjective
-
incapable of expression in words
unspeakable ecstasy
-
indescribably bad or evil
-
not to be uttered
unspeakable thoughts
Other Word Forms
- unspeakableness noun
- unspeakably adverb
Etymology
Origin of unspeakable
1350–1400; Middle English unspekeabill. See un- 1, speak ( def. ), -able ( def. )
Explanation
Something that's unspeakable can't be accurately put into words, like the unspeakable sadness of losing your beloved cat. You can use this adjective for things that can't be spoken or articulated, including the unspeakable joy of reuniting with your lost cat or certain unspeakable swear words that aren't allowed at school. But it's most often used to capture a feeling of horror that remains inexpressible even when people try to talk about it. The unspeakable evil of genocide is one example; when we can't comprehend why it happens, it's impossible to describe in words.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“For Want of a Horse” sets out to speak about the unspeakable, but its construction may be too tame for such a wild subject.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026
"From different parts of Australia, and around the world, these Bravery honourees are characterised by their selfless, courageous, and determined response in unspeakable and horrific circumstances," Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn said.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
An Open AI spokesperson said the shooting in Tumbler Ridge was “an unspeakable tragedy,” and the company stands ready to work with senior government officials to make changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026
Asked about the lawsuit, OpenAI told AFP: "What happened in Tumbler Ridge was an unspeakable tragedy."
From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026
I shake my two hairy fists at the sky and I let out a howl so unspeakable that the water at my feet turns sudden ice and even I myself am left uneasy.
From "Grendel" by John Gardner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
