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.

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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

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noun

1. taboo a former name for Dalit

Usage

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

Other Word Forms

• untouchability noun
• untouchably adverb

Etymology

Origin of untouchable

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

Example Sentences

Frostproof became a cipher for just how untouchable the industry had become.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

For much of his 14-year tenure, Simeone's position at Atletico felt untouchable.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

And along the way, he has taken on a record that seemed untouchable in the modern era.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

I think that the Beckhams have been almost like royalty and quite untouchable.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

It’s likely they were so segregated from ordinary fighting units and considered so special that the women of these regiments were, to a certain extent, untouchable.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Related Words

• imperceptible
• invulnerable
• sacrosanct