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

Watch as an unfortunate Alex Hales gets hit in the "unmentionables" twice in two deliveries as Trent Rockets took on Oval Invincibles in The Hundred.

From BBC

“Slavery is in many ways the last great unmentionable in American discourse,” he said.

From New York Times

Hardened by death threats, a kidnapping plot of his daughter and unmentionable words thrown his direction during that historic chase, Aaron became a hero whose excellence couldn’t escape the ugliness of America’s intolerance.

From Washington Post

Alzheimer’s disease was even more unmentionable, as if a disease that destroys the brain is somehow the fault of the person who gets it.

From Seattle Times

Nonetheless, they are based in the reality of systemic racism — another topic now rendered unmentionable.

From Washington Post