unfathomable

American  

[uhn-fath-uh-muh-buhl] / ʌnˈfæð ə mə bəl /

adjective

1. not able to be fathomed, or completely understood; incomprehensible.

   heroism in the face of unfathomable conflict.

2. not able to be measured with a sounding line, or fathomed.

   unfathomable depths of the ocean.

---

unfathomable British  

/ ʌnˈfæðəməbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being fathomed; immeasurable

2. incomprehensible

---

Other Word Forms

• unfathomableness noun
• unfathomably adverb

Etymology

Origin of unfathomable

First recorded in 1610–20; un- ¹ ( def. ) + fathom ( def. ) + -able ( def. )

Example Sentences

The presumed deception, including within their own family, is so deep as to be unfathomable.

From Literature

At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss.

From Los Angeles Times

The statement added: "At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion."

From BBC

“This is a reminder that they’re real people experiencing an unfathomable tragedy,” North said.

From Los Angeles Times

In the movie, Charli contends with the unfathomable triumph of “Brat” while fielding brand deal offers and label demands that reek of the capitalist desperation to extend the “Brat” era as long as possible.

From Salon

Related Words

• baffling
• impenetrable
• incomprehensible
• indecipherable
• inexplicable
• unknowable