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Incalculable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incalculable

[หŒษชnหˆkalkjสŠlษ™b(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

amount

Too great to be calculated or estimated.

Synonyms

immeasurable, inestimable, unmeasurable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incalculable

This word is often used to describe something that is beyond estimation due to its vastness or unpredictability. It can be applied to both positive and negative situations.

  • The damage caused by the earthquake is incalculable.
  • The benefits of the new technology are incalculable.
immeasurable

This term highlights something that cannot be measured due to its immense extent or depth. It's typically used in a very positive context to emphasize greatness or significance.

  • Her joy at seeing her family was immeasurable.
  • The immeasurable beauty of the night sky left everyone in awe.
inestimable

Similar to 'incalculable', this word is used for something that cannot easily be quantified, usually because it is extremely valuable or important.

  • The artifact has inestimable historical value.
  • His contribution to the project is of inestimable importance.
unmeasurable

This term focuses on the inability to measure something, often due to its abstract or intangible nature. It can be neutral or negative depending on the context.

  • The unmeasurable impact of the policy on mental health was concerning.
  • Her love for her children is unmeasurable.

Examples of usage

  • It's difficult to comprehend the incalculable amount of stars in the universe.
  • The incalculable cost of the project led to its cancellation.
Context #2 | Adjective

consequences

Having consequences that are impossible to foresee or predict.

Synonyms

uncertain, unforeseeable, unpredictable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incalculable

Used when talking about something so vast or beyond measure that it cannot be calculated or comprehended, often in terms of large numbers or vast impacts.

  • The damage caused by the earthquake is incalculable.
  • The benefits of good education are incalculable.
unpredictable

Used when describing something that is not able to be predicted with certainty. It often has a slightly negative connotation when referring to undesirable changes or outcomes.

  • The weather in this region is highly unpredictable.
  • Her behavior lately has been unpredictable.
unforeseeable

Used to talk about events or consequences that are impossible to predict or anticipate. Often used in formal or legal contexts.

  • The company faced unforeseeable challenges.
  • The accident was due to unforeseeable circumstances.
uncertain

Used when the outcome, result, or situation is not known or is subject to change. It can have a slightly negative or neutral connotation depending on the context.

  • The future is uncertain.
  • Due to the weather, it's uncertain if the game will continue.

Examples of usage

  • The incalculable impact of the pandemic on the economy is still unfolding.
  • The incalculable risks associated with the new technology are a cause for concern.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, there are quantities that can be estimated but not exactly calculated, often resulting from infinite series or complex computations.
  • Some mathematical problems are deemed incalculable due to their complexity, like those involving chaos theory or certain types of asymptotic analysis.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers argue that some human experiences, like love or the universe's mysteries, may be considered incalculable.
  • In existential discussions, life's uncertainties can be termed incalculable, affecting our perception of fate and probability.

Literature

  • Authors use the word to convey vast themes, such as the incalculable nature of human emotions or experiences in works like 'Moby Dick'.
  • Poetry often employs incalculable imagery, portraying boundless landscapes or overwhelming feelings that resist measurement.

Science

  • In environmental science, the true cost of climate change is often seen as incalculable due to unpredictable future effects.
  • Astrophysics deals with variables in the universe that are often incalculable, especially when predicting cosmic events or behaviors.

Origin of 'incalculable'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'incalculabilis', meaning 'not able to be counted'.
  • The prefix 'in-' means 'not', and 'calculable' comes from 'calculare', which means 'to count' in Latin.

The word 'incalculable' originated in the early 19th century from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and the word 'calculable' meaning 'able to be calculated'. It has been used to describe things that are beyond calculation or estimation, emphasizing the vastness or unpredictability of certain quantities or consequences.

See also: calculable, calculated, calculating, calculatingly, calculation, calculations, calculator, calculus, miscalculate, miscalculated.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,016, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.