inexcusable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of inexcusable
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin inexcūsābilis; see in- 3, excuse ( def. ), -able ( def. )
Explanation
Something inexcusable doesn't have an excuse, justification, or reason. Inexcusable things are horribile and unforgivable. Getting sick is an excuse for missing school. When an action is inexcusable, there is no excuse for it. Inexcusable actions and words don't have a justification. Also, this word is used for things that are just plain awful. Most people would say crimes like murder are inexcusable. If a good friend lied to you, you might consider that inexcusable. This is a harsh word for things that we can't forgive or condone.
Vocabulary lists containing inexcusable
Obama on Race 2008
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Crashing into You
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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.
"We must foster a culture in which sexual assault is inexcusable and ensure our community is empowered and understands informed consent," he said.
From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026
The committee also said there were "policy contradictions", with benefits cuts for people in training undermining the government's drive to encourage apprenticeships, describing the "lack of coherence" as "inexcusable".
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
For medical professionals to be unable to access all the images to inform a patient’s care is inexcusable.
From MarketWatch ● May 4, 2026
Following her arrest, a representative for the singer described the incident as "completely inexcusable" and said Spears would "take the right steps and comply with the law."
From Barron's ● Apr. 30, 2026
The worst part about doing something inexcusable is that you can never take it back.
From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
