unmentionable

American  

[uhn-men-shuh-nuh-buhl] / ʌnˈmɛn ʃə nə bəl /

adjective

1. not mentionable; inappropriate, unfit, or improper for mention, as in polite conversation; unspeakable.

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noun

1. something that is not to be mentioned.

   That subject was classed among the unmentionables.

2. unmentionables,

   1. undergarments.

   2. (formerly) trousers or breeches.

unmentionable British  

/ ʌnˈmɛnʃənəbəl /

adjective

1. 1. unsuitable or forbidden as a topic of conversation

   2. ( as noun )

      the unmentionable

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Other Word Forms

• unmentionableness noun
• unmentionably adverb

Etymology

Origin of unmentionable

First recorded in 1820–30; un- ¹ + mentionable

Example Sentences

She plans to sweep away the cobwebs and inject warmth and life into a farm mired in portentous dialogue and unmentionable secrets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another four years on, Root was in hospital again, this time after taking blows to the unmentionables in the day-night Test in Adelaide.

From BBC

That relationship, once an unmentionable topic, is now on the agenda of the winning party.

From BBC

Her continued focus on class, the great American unmentionable, made Ms. Tax a distinct voice.

From New York Times

Slavery was the unmentionable family secret, or the proverbial elephant in the middle of the room.

From Literature