Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Impossible to touch or reach; physically inaccessible: Describes something that cannot be physically contacted or is out of reach.
   • Protected from criticism, attack, or interference; inviolable: Describes a person, institution, or concept that is considered beyond reproach or immune to challenge.
   • (Historical/Sociological) Belonging to the lowest social class in traditional Hindu society; considered ritually polluting: Refers to individuals outside the caste system, historically subjected to severe social restrictions.

2. Noun:

   • A member of the lowest social and ritual class in traditional Hindu society; a Dalit: Refers to a person historically considered "untouchable" due to caste status.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The ancient artifact was kept behind glass and was completely untouchable.
  • For years, the corrupt official seemed untouchable, shielded by powerful friends.
  • In the traditional system, people from certain communities were considered untouchable.

• Noun:

  • The social reformer fought for the rights of the untouchables.

Advanced Usage

• "Politically untouchable": Describes a topic or policy that is too sensitive or controversial for politicians to address.

  • Tax reform has become a politically untouchable issue this election cycle.

• "Financially untouchable": Describes assets or funds that are completely protected from seizure or loss.

  • His trust fund was structured to be financially untouchable by creditors.

Variants and Related Words

• Untouchability (n): The state or condition of being untouchable, especially in the context of social caste.
  • Laws were enacted to abolish the practice of untouchability.

Synonyms

• Adjective (inaccessible): Unreachable, unattainable, unobtainable.
• Adjective (inviolable): Invulnerable, sacrosanct, immune.
• Noun (social class): Dalit, Harijan (historical term coined by Gandhi).

Related Phrases

• "Consider something/someone untouchable": To regard a subject or person as off-limits for criticism or discussion.
  • The founder's original vision is considered untouchable within the company culture.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary modern use as an adjective relates to being beyond reach or attack.
• The noun form and the related adjectival meaning concerning caste are specific to the historical and social context of South Asia. The preferred modern term for the social group is Dalit. Using "untouchable" in this context can be considered outdated and offensive if used insensitively.

Adjective

1. not capable of being obtained
   • a rare work, today almost inaccessible
   • timber is virtually unobtainable in the islands
   • untouchable resources buried deep within the earth
2. ( especially used in traditional Hindu belief of the lowest caste or castes) defiling
3. forbidden to the touch
   • in most museums such articles are untouchable
4. impossible to assail
5. beyond the reach of criticism or attack or impeachment
   • for the first time criticism was directed at a hitherto untouchable target- Newsweek

Noun

1. belongs to lowest social and ritual class in India