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Synonyms

inexcusable

American  
[in-ik-skyoo-zuh-buhl] / ˌɪn ɪkˈskyu zə bəl /

adjective

  1. incapable of being excused or justified.

    Synonyms:
    intolerable, unforgivable, unpardonable

inexcusable British  
/ ˌɪnɪkˈskjuːzəbəl /

adjective

  1. not able to be excused or justified

"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

Other Word Forms

  • inexcusability noun
  • inexcusableness noun
  • inexcusably adverb

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing inexcusable

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.

“I don’t think it’s inexcusable to support two clubs in Paris,” Arnault said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

The report described February 2020 as a "lost month" and said the government's lack of urgency was "inexcusable".

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

The Young Republican National Federation released a social media statement saying it was “appalled by the vile and inexcusable language revealed” in the chats.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2025

“I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable and it’s not going to be accepted here,” Campbell said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2025

Coffee was rationed then and to waste it, inexcusable.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson