untouchable
Americanadjective
-
that may not be touched; of a nature such that it cannot be touched; not palpable; intangible.
-
too distant to be touched.
-
vile or loathsome to the touch.
-
beyond criticism, control, or suspicion.
Modern writers consider no subject untouchable.
noun
-
Hinduism. the former name given to a member of the lowest castes in India whose touch was believed to defile a high-caste Hindu.
-
a person who is beyond reproach as to honesty, diligence, etc.
-
a person disregarded or shunned by society or a particular group; social outcast.
political untouchables.
-
a person or thing considered inviolable or beyond criticism.
such untouchables as Social Security in the federal budget.
adjective
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lying beyond reach
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above reproach, suspicion, or impeachment
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unable to be touched
noun
Usage
In relation to the caste system, the term untouchable is banned in both the Indian and Pakistani constitutions
Other Word Forms
- untouchability noun
- untouchably adverb
Etymology
Origin of untouchable
Vocabulary lists containing untouchable
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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.
"The other thing is that he does feel untouchable," he told AFP.
From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026
For almost a half-century, the Persian Gulf’s energy infrastructure was treated as untouchable.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026
The 23-year-old is still regarded within Chelsea as "untouchable".
From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026
Winning a second gold medal in Beijing, where she put up an untouchable 94-point score on her first run when silver-medalist Queralt Castellet was the only other competitor to break 90 points, extended Chloe’s dominance.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026
Because of his cloak of piety, he is untouchable.
From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali
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.
