unfathomable

[uhn-fath-uh-muh-buhl]

adjective

1. not able to be fathomed, or completely understood; incomprehensible.

   heroism in the face of unfathomable conflict.

2. not able to be measured with a sounding line, or fathomed.

   unfathomable depths of the ocean.

unfathomable

/ ʌnˈfæðəməbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being fathomed; immeasurable

2. incomprehensible

Other Word Forms

• unfathomableness noun
• unfathomably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfathomable¹

First recorded in 1610–20; un- ¹ ( def. ) + fathom ( def. ) + -able ( def. )

Example Sentences

With one long, deep intonation, the man has stopped all time around them – freezing the water in place – a demonstration of unfathomable power.

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His stripped-down, jagged style, absent marquee names and focused on such issues as terrorism and community, brings intelligent urgency to the unfathomable.

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Reacting to the news, Underwood called his death "just unfathomable".

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They described the comments as "horrific" and "unfathomably heartless".

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In a statement posted on social media, Mastodon said they were in a "state of unfathomable sadness and grief".

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Related Words

• baffling 
• impenetrable 
• incomprehensible 
• indecipherable 
• inexplicable 
• unknowable