Word
unbelievably
Phoneticsun·be·liev·ably
US/ˌənbəˈɫivəbɫi/
UK/ʌnbɪlˈiːvəbli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01extremely
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to emphasize that something is very extreme or much more than expected.
adv. used as an intensifier to emphasize an extreme degree, often synonymous with 'incredibly' or 'extremely'.
“The weather was unbelievably hot for this time of year.”
“The logistics of the operation were unbelievably complex, requiring coordination across three different time zones and four government agencies.”
Usage
Usually placed before an adjective or another adverb to add emphasis.
Teaching tip
In casual conversation, this is often used as a hyperbolic synonym for 'very'.
Synonyms
02hard to believe
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. in a way that is impossible or very difficult to believe is true.
adv. in a manner that exceeds the limits of belief or credibility.
“He spoke unbelievably about his adventures in the jungle.”
“The witness recounted the events so unbelievably that the jury began to doubt the core of his testimony.”
Usage
Often modifies a verb related to speaking, acting, or occurring.
Teaching tip
This sense is less common than the intensifying sense; it focuses on the lack of credibility rather than just high intensity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03surprisingly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to say that something is very surprising or amazing because it was not expected.
adv. contrary to expectations; used to introduce a statement that is remarkably surprising.
“Unbelievably, the cat found its way home after being lost for a month.”
“Unbelievably, the small startup managed to outperform its multi-billion dollar competitors within the first fiscal year.”
Usage
Often used as a sentence adverb at the beginning of a clause to set the tone.
Teaching tip
When used at the start of a sentence, it functions similarly to 'surprisingly' but with much stronger emotional weight.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Yet getting to that point had been so unbelievably easy.”
She planned to use it that night.” “It’s my wife, my ex-wife – I love her unbelievably, but we lost the passion.” Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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