Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

inimitable

American  
[ih-nim-i-tuh-buhl] / ɪˈnɪm ɪ tə bəl /

adjective

  1. incapable of being imitated or copied; surpassing imitation; matchless.


inimitable British  
/ ɪˈnɪmɪtəbəl /

adjective

  1. incapable of being duplicated or imitated; unique

"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

Etymology

Origin of inimitable

From the Latin word inimitābilis, dating back to 1525–35. See in- 3, imitable

Explanation

Use the adjective inimitable to describe someone or something that is so special or unique, it is impossible to duplicate, like that superstar tennis player with the inimitable serve no other player can copy. To correctly pronounce inimitable, accent the second syllable: "ih-NIH-muh-tuh-bul" Inimitable comes from imitabilis, meaning “imitable,” or “that which can be imitated.” Comedians, for example, find the way certain celebrities talk to be quite imitable. But add the prefix in-, meaning “not,” and you get “not imitated.” Use this word to describe things that are truly one-of-a-kind and just can't be copied.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing inimitable

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.

See Examples For:

Countless karaoke nights and rainy drives have been scored to Tyler’s inimitable song, so much so that the opening piano notes of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” might precede Tyler’s substantial legacy.

From Salon Jul. 9, 2026

Dame Penelope Keith was one of Britain's best-loved comedy actresses thanks to her inimitable portrayal of Margo Leadbeatter in 1970s sitcom The Good Life, among other roles.

From BBC Jun. 29, 2026

“Best and Last’s” flashbacks are a walloping reminder that Knoxville is inimitable: a telegenic and extroverted entertainer with a charisma he wields like a skunk aims its stink.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 26, 2026

Never mind that, in the words of the inimitable Tim Minchin, “everything is chemicals.”

From Slate Mar. 5, 2026

And the way her mouth curled up on the right side all the time, like she was preparing to smirk, like she’d mastered the right half of the Mona Lisa’s inimitable smile .

From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training