English Reference
Adjective

unthinkable

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ənˈθɪŋkəbəɫ/ UK /ʌnθˈɪŋkəbəl/ un·think·able UK spelling unthinkables

adj.impossible to imagine or accept because it is so shocking or unlikely. You use this when something is too extreme to even consider.

adj.impossible to imagine or consider as a possibility; often used to describe events or ideas that are socially, morally, or practically unacceptable.


SIMPLE

A few years ago, a global lockdown seemed unthinkable.

CONTEXTUAL

The loss of the company's main server would have been unthinkable before they implemented the new backup system.

COMPLEX

In the current political climate, a compromise that was once considered standard has become unthinkable to both parties, leading to a total stalemate in negotiations.

Usage

Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.

It seemed almost unthinkable that Pradhan, a core BJP leader who had played an important role in recent regional elections, would be compelled to go.

BBC News· 11 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated