Dictionary
unspeakable
adjective un·speak·able \-ˈspē-kə-bəl\
: very bad or evil
: impossible to describe in words
Full Definition of UNSPEAKABLE
1
a : incapable of being expressed in words : unutterable b : inexpressibly bad : horrendous <unspeakable living conditions> <unspeakable evil>
2
: that may not or cannot be spoken <the bawdy thoughts that come into one's head — the unspeakable words — L. P. Smith> <unspeakable collections of consonants — Rosemary Jellis>
— un·speak·ably \-blē\ adverb
See unspeakable defined for English-language learners
See unspeakable defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of UNSPEAKABLE
14th century
Related to UNSPEAKABLE
- Synonyms
- incommunicable, indefinable, ineffable, inenarrable, inexpressible, nameless, uncommunicable, indescribable, unutterable
- Antonyms
- communicable, definable, expressible, speakable
UNSPEAKABLE Defined for Kids
unspeakable
adjective un·speak·able \ˌən-ˈspē-kə-bəl\
Definition of UNSPEAKABLE for Kids
1
: impossible to express in words <unspeakable beauty>
2
: extremely bad <unspeakable conduct>
— un·speak·ably \-blē\ adverb
Learn More About UNSPEAKABLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: unspeakablenessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: unspeakAll Words Near: unspeakable
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up unspeakable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).