unthinkable

American  

[uhn-thing-kuh-buhl] / ʌnˈθɪŋ kə bəl /

adjective

1. inconceivable; unimaginable.

   the unthinkable size of the universe.

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

   Such a suggestion is unthinkable.

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noun

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

   Today's unthinkables are tomorrow's realities.

unthinkable British  

/ ʌnˈθɪŋkəbəl /

adjective

1. not to be contemplated; out of the question

2. unimaginable; inconceivable

3. unreasonable; improbable

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Other Word Forms

• unthinkability noun
• unthinkableness noun
• unthinkably adverb

Etymology

Origin of unthinkable

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

Example Sentences

"It was unthinkable to see another cinema close on the Champs-Elysées," he added, saying that maintaining culture on the famous avenue was an "activist" act.

From Barron's

It would have seemed unthinkable six months ago, but Arne Slot's position as Liverpool manager is starting to come under question.

From BBC

The club spent £250m in the summer trying to lift a group of players that had plunged to an unthinkable 15th last season.

From BBC

To many who flee, such visibility is unthinkable.

From BBC

Within weeks, those mentors were asking an unthinkable question: Had Toner-Rodgers made it all up?

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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