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Unanswerable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unanswerable

 

[ ʌnˈænsərəbəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

unable to answer

The term 'unanswerable' refers to a question or problem that cannot be answered or resolved, often due to its complexity or the lack of information available. This can occur in various contexts, such as philosophical debates, legal inquiries, or even personal dilemmas. In some cases, it suggests that the question itself may be flawed or based on incorrect premises, leading to a conclusion that no satisfactory answer exists. 'Unanswerable' can also denote situations where an answer is inherently subjective or beyond human understanding.

Synonyms

incomprehensible, insoluble, unanalyzable

Examples of usage

  • The dilemma presented was truly unanswerable.
  • Some philosophical questions are simply unanswerable.
  • He posed an unanswerable question during the debate.
  • Many mysteries of the universe remain unanswerable.

Translations

Translations of the word "unanswerable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não respondível

🇮🇳 अनुत्तरित

🇩🇪 nicht beantwortbar

🇮🇩 tidak dapat dijawab

🇺🇦 непитальний

🇵🇱 nieodpowiedzialny

🇯🇵 回答不能

🇫🇷 sans réponse

🇪🇸 no respondible

🇹🇷 cevap verilemez

🇰🇷 답변할 수 없는

🇸🇦 غير قابل للإجابة

🇨🇿 neodpověditelný

🇸🇰 neodpovedateľný

🇨🇳 无法回答

🇸🇮 neodgovorljiv

🇮🇸 ósvöruð

🇰🇿 жауапсыз

🇬🇪 უდასათებელი

🇦🇿 cavabsız

🇲🇽 no respondible

Etymology

The word 'unanswerable' is formed by the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'answerable', which itself derives from 'answer', combining 'an' (Old English 'andswaru') and 'swara' (to speak). The prefix 'un-' has been used in the English language since the early Middle Ages to create negations. 'Answerable' appeared in Middle English as 'answerable', borrowed from the Old French 'answerable', which is composed of 'answer' and the suffix '-able', indicating capability or suitability. Therefore, 'unanswerable' essentially denotes something that cannot be adequately responded to or for which a satisfactory response cannot be given. This term became more commonly utilized especially as complex questions in philosophy and science emerged, emphasizing the limitations of human knowledge.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,636, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.