the unthinkable

noun

: something that one cannot accept, believe, or imagine
especially : something that is so bad that one does not want to think about it
And then, the unthinkable happened: the car skidded out of control and crashed.

Examples of the unthinkable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Absent the unthinkable—the view from abroad begs a broader question: Can the retail industry that survived the pandemic survive a tariff war? Greg Petro, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Hungry after a day's hard work, McNally went to refuel at a new restaurant joint (a switch-up from her usual go-to, Chipotle) — and alas, the unthinkable happened. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025 If the unthinkable was now in play — the possibility of a Stamkos-less lineup — BriseBois was open to an even greater reimagining of the roster. John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2025 Then the unthinkable happened, as the ball dropped into the hole. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for the unthinkable

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The unthinkable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20unthinkable. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!