unthinkable

[ uhn-thing-kuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. inconceivable; unimaginable:

   the unthinkable size of the universe.

2. not to be considered; out of the question:

   Such a suggestion is unthinkable.

noun

1. something that cannot be conceived or imagined, as something too unusual, vague, or disagreeable:

   Today's unthinkables are tomorrow's realities.

unthinkable

/ ʌnˈθɪŋkəbəl /

adjective

1. not to be contemplated; out of the question
2. unimaginable; inconceivable
3. unreasonable; improbable

Derived Forms

• unˈthinkably, adverb
• unˌthinkaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• unthink·a·bili·ty un·thinka·ble·ness noun
• un·thinka·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unthinkable¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; un- ¹, thinkable

Example Sentences

For a few moments people even did the unthinkable - putting down their mobile phones.

From BBC

The final six outs were stressful, with Blake Treinen taking care of the eighth, and — in another unthinkable turn — starting pitcher Walker Buehler emerging for the save in the ninth.

From Los Angeles Times

The impressive emergence of Brydon Carse is the latest stage in the rebuilding of an England pace attack in a previously unthinkable world without James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

From BBC

It’s hard sometimes when your character is doing these unspeakable, unthinkable things.

From Los Angeles Times

Back then, a trip to Australia seemed unthinkable.

From BBC

Related Words

• absurd
• extraordinary
• illogical
• implausible
• impossible
• improbable
• inconceivable
• preposterous
• rare
• unbelievable
• uncommon
• unimaginable
• unlikely
• unreasonable