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Synonyms

untouchable

American  
[uhn-tuhch-uh-buhl] / ʌnˈtʌtʃ ə bəl /

adjective

  1. that may not be touched; of a nature such that it cannot be touched; not palpable; intangible.

  2. too distant to be touched.

  3. vile or loathsome to the touch.

  4. beyond criticism, control, or suspicion.

    Modern writers consider no subject untouchable.


noun

  1. Hinduism. the former name given to a member of the lowest castes in India whose touch was believed to defile a high-caste Hindu.

  2. a person who is beyond reproach as to honesty, diligence, etc.

  3. a person disregarded or shunned by society or a particular group; social outcast.

    political untouchables.

  4. a person or thing considered inviolable or beyond criticism.

    such untouchables as Social Security in the federal budget.

untouchable British  
/ ʌnˈtʌtʃəbəl /

adjective

  1. lying beyond reach

  2. above reproach, suspicion, or impeachment

  3. unable to be touched

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. taboo a former name for Dalit

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

In relation to the caste system, the term untouchable is banned in both the Indian and Pakistani constitutions

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of untouchable

First recorded in 1560–70; un- 1 + touchable

Vocabulary lists containing untouchable

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.

Seeing Gals Aloud is likely to be the closest a fan can get to seeing the Biology, Can't Speak French and Untouchable singers on stage, because the band split in 2013.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2022

Eminem had previously expressed solidarity with the cause, once honoring Kaepernick's efforts in a freesteyle rap during the BET Hip Hop Awards and later, including Kaepernick in the lyrics of his 2017 song "Untouchable."

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2022

Kid was known for often sporting the popular Kangol headwear and being a member of UTFO, which stands for Untouchable Force Organization.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 18, 2021

However, on April 17, Kramer was able to release a new single, "Untouchable," now available to stream and download.

From Fox News • Apr. 27, 2020

"Can't deny that," he said, watching the branches of the Untouchable Bush draw away as they walked through it.

From Step IV by Brown, Rosel George