unmistakable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unmistakable
First recorded in 1660–70; un- 1 + mistakable
Explanation
Something unmistakable is so clear and obvious that it can't be confused with anything else, like the bright colors of a rainbow or the unique sound of your favorite singer's voice. The smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house is unmistakable. A famous landmark, like the Eiffel Tower, is unmistakable because of its unique shape and structure. Unmistakable also applies to sounds, such as the roar of a lion, or feelings, like the unmistakable warmth of a hug from a loved one. This word emphasizes clarity and distinctiveness, making sure there's no room for doubt or confusion.
Vocabulary lists containing unmistakable
Obvious
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Obvious
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There was a skid, followed by the unmistakable sound of dog meeting trash cans: bowling ball, pins.
From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026
KAILUA, Hawaii—The seaside streets bear the unmistakable look of a Hawaiian beach town, an oasis of palm trees, swimsuits and surfboards.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
However, as Politico notes, “The signal was unmistakable: Vought’s OMB intended to probe the boundaries of its authority.”
From Slate ● Aug. 4, 2026
"The signs from el-Obeid are clear and unmistakable: Another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan," Turk said last week in an address to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
The unmistakable sound of a dog barking made Danny jump.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
