What does "unbelievable" mean?

1. (amazing or extreme) used to describe something so surprising or good that you can hardly believe it. 2. (not credible) difficult to believe because it seems unlikely or untrue.

How do you use "unbelievable"?

Often used with the intensifier 'absolutely'.

unbelievable

adj.

US //ˌənbəˈɫivəbəɫ// UK //ʌnbɪlˈiːvəbəl// un·be·liev·able

1 amazing or extreme (adj.)
B1 Intermediate Informal

used to describe something so surprising or good that you can hardly believe it.

denoting something extraordinary or astonishing; often used as an intensifier for positive or negative extremes.

Example

The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely unbelievable.

Example

The athlete showed unbelievable stamina, maintaining a record-breaking pace throughout the final stages of the marathon.

Usage

Often used with the intensifier 'absolutely'.
- ordinary
- unremarkable
2 not credible (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

difficult to believe because it seems unlikely or untrue.

lacking credibility or plausibility; difficult to accept as a factual account.

Example

His excuse for being late was so unbelievable that nobody laughed.

Example

The witness provided an unbelievable account of the events, which was quickly contradicted by the forensic evidence presented in court.
- implausible
- unconvincing
- doubtful

Origin

From un- + believable.

Word family

Adjectiveunbelievable
Adverbunbelievably