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.

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unfathomable British  

/ ʌnˈfæðəməbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being fathomed; immeasurable

2. incomprehensible

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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

"If much younger people are being affected, why is the threshold so high for us to be diagnosed and diagnosed at an early stage? It just is unfathomable to me."

From BBC

She notes that very few people in the audience “realize we are witnessing the exorcism of a powerful, witchy woman who is processing unfathomable loss and shock.”

From Salon

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

Related Words

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