inimitable

American  

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

adjective

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

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inimitable British  

/ ɪˈnɪmɪtəbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being duplicated or imitated; unique

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Other Word Forms

• inimitability noun
• inimitableness noun
• inimitably adverb

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.

Example Sentences

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

From Slate • Mar. 5, 2026

While Swansea hope Snoop's impact will be felt over the long-term, the hip-hop legend has already left his mark on the Championship in his own inimitable style.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

It came to life with the inimitable growl of a vintage straight four that took me back to my teenage self with a rush of sadness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

"I imagine a great big saw will come out and they'll chop off a leg, but I don't really mind," she told me in her own inimitable way.

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2025

Later in the morning, and just as the girls were going to separate in preparation for the regular four o’clock dinner, the hero of this inimitable charade walked in again.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen