unprintable

[ uhn-prin-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. improper or unfit for print, especially because of obscenity or offensiveness.

unprintable

/ ʌnˈprɪntəbəl /

adjective

1. unsuitable for printing for reasons of obscenity, libel, bad taste, etc

Derived Forms

• unˈprintably, adverb
• unˈprintableness, noun

Other Words From

• un·printa·ble·ness noun
• un·printa·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unprintable¹

First recorded in 1855–60; un- ¹ + printable

Example Sentences

Her screams, unprintable in a family newspaper, were the starting shot of what would end up being a 16-hour marathon.

From Washington Post

A few people spelled out unprintable words, and whoever spelled out “ASSININE” should have consulted a dictionary first.

From Washington Post

And then predictably, there was a long unprintable list of synonyms and phrases for various sex acts.

From The Daily Beast

Her human steed, turning round for an impudent and good-natured stare, drawled out an unprintable remark.

From Project Gutenberg

He finished the subject with a string of oaths and then made an unprintable inquiry of Brocton concerning me.

From Project Gutenberg

Fromentin was singing,—a ribald marching song, an unprintable thing, salacious and vilifying the Boches.

From Project Gutenberg

The idea was to have a group out there, making news, but with a totally unprintable name.

From Project Gutenberg

The psssma verba of this innocent creature are therefore frankly unprintable.

From Project Gutenberg