Unspeakable
/ʌnˈspiːkəbəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsToo bad or unpleasant to be described in words.
/ʌnˈspiːkəbəl/
Too bad or shocking to describe.
The conditions in the prison were unspeakable.
💡 Simply: Imagine something so incredibly horrible – like a nightmare come true – that you just can't even talk about it. That's unspeakable!
👶 For kids: Something that is so bad, you can't even talk about it!
More Examples
The pain she suffered was unspeakable.
The consequences of the mistake were unspeakable.
How It's Used
"The war caused unspeakable suffering."
"The villain's cruelty was unspeakable."
Too sacred or holy to be spoken.
/ʌnˈspiːkəbəl/
The rituals involved unspeakable acts.
💡 Simply: Sometimes there are words that are considered so special or important, we're not supposed to say them out loud. It's like a secret, but a really, really important one.
👶 For kids: Something so special that you aren't allowed to say it.
More Examples
They whispered the unspeakable name in hushed tones.
The ancient texts described unspeakable truths.
How It's Used
"The unspeakable name of God was not to be uttered aloud."
"Certain deities were associated with unspeakable rituals."
From Middle English *unspēkable*, from Old English *unspǣcende* ('unspeakable, inexpressible'), equivalent to un- + speakable.
The word has been used since the 14th century, often in religious or moral contexts to describe things beyond human comprehension or that should not be spoken of.
Memory tip
Think of something so awful you can't even find the words to talk about it.
Word Origin
"not able to be spoken or uttered"