unthinkable
word
Definition
Something that is unthinkable is so unlikely, shocking, or impossible that you cannot imagine it happening.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in formal, dramatic, or emotional contexts. Common with 'almost', 'seems', or 'would be' (e.g., 'It would be unthinkable to...'). Not used for minor surprises, but for truly extraordinary or impossible situations.
Spanish: impensablePortuguese (BR): impensávelPortuguese (PT): impensávelChinese (Simplified): 难以想象的 - 不可思议的Chinese (Traditional): 難以想像的 - 不可思議的Hindi: अकल्पनीयArabic: لا يُمكن تصوره - غير معقولBengali: অচিন্তনীয় - অকল্পনীয়Russian: немыслимый - невообразимыйJapanese: 考えられない - 想像できないVietnamese: không thể tưởng tượng được - không thể nghĩ tớiKorean: 생각할 수 없는 - 상상할 수 없는Turkish: akla hayale gelmeyecek - düşünülemezUrdu: ناقابلِ تصور - ناقابلِ فہمIndonesian: tak terpikirkan - tidak terbayangkan
Example Sentences
The idea of moving to another planet was once unthinkable.
basic
It is unthinkable to cheat on the exam.
basic
It seemed unthinkable that our team could lose, but we did.
natural
Sometimes, you have to do the unthinkable to move forward.
natural
Losing my keys was unthinkable to me, but it happened.
basic
For many people, living without the internet is unthinkable now.
natural