# unbelievably

/ˌənbəˈɫivəbɫi/ (US) · /ʌnbɪlˈiːvəbli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unbelievably
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. extremely

adverb · CEFR B2

used to emphasize that something is very extreme or much more than expected.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. hard to believe

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

in a way that is impossible or very difficult to believe is true.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. surprisingly

adverb · CEFR B2

used to say that something is very surprising or amazing because it was not expected.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The food at that new restaurant was unbelievably good.
- The team managed to finish the entire project unbelievably quickly, despite having only two days to work.
- The mountain range looked unbelievably beautiful as the setting sun cast a deep purple glow over the snow-capped peaks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.