unspeakable
adjective
un·speak·able
ˌən-ˈspē-kə-bəl 
1
a
: incapable of being expressed in words : unutterable
… each heaved a sigh of unspeakable relief.—
Frank Norris
Frank Norris
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
L. P. Smithunspeakable collections of consonants—Rosemary Jellis
Rosemary JellisExamples of unspeakable in a Sentence
the unspeakable horror of war
continually encountered unspeakable beauty in their travels through the Alps
Recent Examples on the Web
Based on true events, Lost Girls focuses on the aftermath of unspeakable crimes rather than the crimes themselves.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
The mood was of unspeakable sadness and grief.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
In the face of unspeakable loss, her belief in humor, hope, and humanity is put to the ultimate test.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
Named one of the 10 Best Books of 2025 by The New York Times, Angel Down follows Private Cyril Bagger, who has managed to survive the unspeakable horrors of WWI through his wits and deception, swindling fellow soldiers at every opportunity.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unspeakable
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Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
The mood was of unspeakable sadness and grief.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
In the face of unspeakable loss, her belief in humor, hope, and humanity is put to the ultimate test.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
Named one of the 10 Best Books of 2025 by The New York Times, Angel Down follows Private Cyril Bagger, who has managed to survive the unspeakable horrors of WWI through his wits and deception, swindling fellow soldiers at every opportunity.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unspeakable
Cite this Entry
“Unspeakable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unspeakable. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unspeakable
adjective
un·speak·able
ˌən-ˈspē-kə-bəl
ˈən-
1
: impossible to express in words
unspeakable beauty of the sunset
2
: extremely bad
unspeakable conduct
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