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
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Hinduism. the former name given to a member of the lowest castes in India whose touch was believed to defile a high-caste Hindu.
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a person who is beyond reproach as to honesty, diligence, etc.
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a person disregarded or shunned by society or a particular group; social outcast.
political untouchables.
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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
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
Frostproof became a cipher for just how untouchable the industry had become.
From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026
Though they were penned in and ruthlessly pursued, their mastery of the Sierra Madre made them nearly untouchable.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026
"We don't treat powerful or senior figures as untouchable."
From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026
The outer villages are in rebel hands, the town divided, and the Nut is as untouchable as ever.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
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.
