unspeakable
Americanadjective
-
not speakable; that may not be spoken.
-
exceeding the power of speech; unutterable; inexpressible; indescribable.
- Synonyms:
- unimaginable, ineffable
-
inexpressibly bad or objectionable.
adjective
-
incapable of expression in words
unspeakable ecstasy
-
indescribably bad or evil
-
not to be uttered
unspeakable thoughts
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unspeakable
1350–1400; Middle English unspekeabill. See un- 1, speak ( def. ), -able ( def. )
Explanation
Something that's unspeakable can't be accurately put into words, like the unspeakable sadness of losing your beloved cat. You can use this adjective for things that can't be spoken or articulated, including the unspeakable joy of reuniting with your lost cat or certain unspeakable swear words that aren't allowed at school. But it's most often used to capture a feeling of horror that remains inexpressible even when people try to talk about it. The unspeakable evil of genocide is one example; when we can't comprehend why it happens, it's impossible to describe in words.
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.
My intention here is not to say, “Hey, this unspeakable event unfolding in the headlines right now? It’s just like that movie!”
From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026
"Patrick Clancy has suffered an unspeakable and unimaginable loss," they said.
From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026
“For Want of a Horse” sets out to speak about the unspeakable, but its construction may be too tame for such a wild subject.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 21, 2026
Jailing Garner, Judge Brian Cummings KC said: "The suffering experienced by Mr McColl was quite unspeakable and really does not bear dwelling on."
From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2026
Joey confesses in her letter that she has moments of unspeakable loneliness, though she finds comfort in her faith, believing that God has specifically chosen this “strange hidden life” for her.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
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.
