Word
unimaginable
Phoneticsunimag·in·able
US/ˌənɪˈmædʒɪnəbəɫ/
UK/ˌʌnɪmˈædʒɪnəbəl/
Definition
adj. impossible to think of or imagine because it is so extreme, big, or unusual. You use this when something is so different from your life that you cannot picture it.
adj. impossible to comprehend or conceive of mentally. Often used to describe extreme scales of suffering, wealth, or complexity that exceed ordinary human experience.
Examples
“The scale of the disaster was unimaginable.”
“Living in a world without the internet is almost unimaginable for the younger generation.”
“The explorers faced unimaginable hardships as they trekked across the frozen wasteland with dwindling supplies and no hope of rescue.”
Examples
simple
“The scale of the disaster was unimaginable.”
contextual
“Living in a world without the internet is almost unimaginable for the younger generation.”
complex
“The explorers faced unimaginable hardships as they trekked across the frozen wasteland with dwindling supplies and no hope of rescue.”
Usage
Often used to modify nouns representing abstract concepts like 'wealth', 'pain', 'cruelty', or 'beauty'.
Real-World Examples
“The technical tools available to the modern forecaster would have been unimaginable to Stagg.” “He asked for privacy “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss”.” - 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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