Word
unthinkable
Phoneticsun·think·able
US/ənˈθɪŋkəbəɫ/
UK/ʌnθˈɪŋkəbəl/
Definition
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.
Examples
“A few years ago, a global lockdown seemed unthinkable.”
“The loss of the company's main server would have been unthinkable before they implemented the new backup system.”
“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.”
Examples
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'.
Real-World Examples
“We'll keep helping him."
Quite possibly the best 16-year-old in the world, it is not unthinkable that he could earn his way into England's Euro 2028 thinking.” “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.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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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englishreference.com/q/unthinkable