inscrutable

[in-skroo-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. incapable of being investigated, analyzed, or scrutinized; impenetrable.

   Synonyms: inexplicable, undiscoverable, incomprehensible, hidden
   Antonyms: comprehensible

2. not easily understood; mysterious; unfathomable.

   an inscrutable smile.

3. incapable of being seen through physically; physically impenetrable.

   the inscrutable depths of the ocean.

inscrutable

/ ɪnˈskruːtəbəl /

adjective

1. incomprehensible; mysterious or enigmatic

Other Word Forms

• inscrutability noun
• inscrutably adverb
• inscrutableness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inscrutable¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Late Latin word inscrūtābilis. See in- ³, scrutable

Word History and Origins

Origin of inscrutable¹

C15: from Late Latin inscrūtābilis, from Latin _in- ¹ + scrūtārī to examine

Synonym Study

See mysterious.

Example Sentences

Punitive tariffs are imposed on longtime allies, seemingly for whimsical or inscrutable reasons.

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While the actor carries himself with an air of authority, the inscrutable nature of this role is destabilizing for those in his presence.

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Less smug but still rather inscrutable, he sips on tea and evades answering Arisu’s question directly, instead turning the tables.

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Behtiyar, in her debut feature, is spectacular, eyes fiery, her expression often inscrutable, body in constant motion as Cheng’s camera follows close behind.

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Her expressions are inscrutable; you never know what’s going to come out of her mouth or how.

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Related Words

• enigmatic 
• impenetrable 
• incomprehensible 
• unfathomable 
• unintelligible