unimaginable
/,ʌni'mædʤinəbl/
Definition
Adjective: 1. Impossible to imagine or conceive of; beyond the limits of what can be thought or believed. It describes something so extreme, vast, or extraordinary that it defies mental picturing or belief. 2. Totally unlikely; seeming impossible. This meaning emphasizes the extreme improbability of an event or situation occurring.
Usage
The adjective "unimaginable" is used to describe nouns, typically abstract concepts like suffering, wealth, scale, or beauty. It is often used with nouns that represent extremes. - It commonly follows verbs like be, seem, or become. - It can be modified by adverbs like almost, truly, or simply.
Examples
- The scale of the universe is unimaginable to the human mind.
- They endured unimaginable hardship during the war.
- Just a century ago, smartphones would have been considered unimaginable technology.
- The potential for growth in this field is unimaginable.
Advanced Usage
- "the unimaginable": Used as a noun phrase to refer to something that cannot or could not be imagined.
- The scientists were preparing for the unimaginable.
- "beyond unimaginable": An emphatic phrase used for hyperbolic effect, though it is logically redundant.
- Her generosity was beyond unimaginable.
Variants and Related Words
- Unimaginably (adverb): In a way that is impossible to imagine.
- The desert was unimaginably vast.
- Imaginable (adjective): Able to be imagined or conceived of. (This is the direct antonym).
- We tried every imaginable solution.
Synonyms
- Inconceivable: Impossible to comprehend or believe.
- Unthinkable: Too shocking or unlikely to be considered as a possibility.
- Incredible: Difficult to believe; extraordinary. (Note: "Incredible" can also mean "very good," which "unimaginable" does not).
Antonyms
- Imaginable
- Conceivable
- Thinkable
- Believable
Idioms and Common Phrases
- "defy imagination": A phrase with a similar meaning to "be unimaginable."
- The complexity of the engine defies imagination.
- "the mind boggles": An informal expression used when something is too amazing or confusing to imagine fully. It describes a reaction to the unimaginable.
- At the price of that house, the mind boggles.
Adjective
-
totally unlikely
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