Unbelievability: meaning, definitions and examples

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unbelievability

 

[ ˌʌnbɪˌliːvəˈbɪlɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in storytelling

The quality of being difficult to believe or accept, especially in a fictional context. Unbelievability often occurs when the plot twists are too extreme or the characters' actions are unrealistic.

Synonyms

implausibility, incredibility, unlikelihood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unbelievability

Use this word when referring to a general state of being difficult to believe or accept as true. It can be applied to situations, stories, or claims that seem extremely improbable or fantastic.

  • The unbelievability of the magician's trick left the audience stunned.
  • Critics pointed out the unbelievability of the movie's plot.
implausibility

This word is best suited for scenarios where something seems unlikely due to a lack of logical coherence or feasibility. It's often used in critical or analytical contexts.

  • The lawyer argued the implausibility of the witness's testimony.
  • Science fiction often explores concepts that might seem implausible with current technology.
incredibility

Use 'incredibility' to highlight the quality of being hard to believe because it is extraordinarily surprising or exceptional. It often carries a sense of amazement.

  • The incredibility of her talent was evident during the performance.
  • We marveled at the incredibility of the ancient structures.
unlikelihood

This word is appropriate for describing something that has a low probability of occurring. It's often used in risk assessment or predictive scenarios.

  • Considering the unlikelihood of rain, they planned an outdoor wedding.
  • The unlikelihood of winning the lottery keeps most people from playing regularly.

Examples of usage

  • It was the unbelievability of the plot that made the movie hard to enjoy.
  • The author's use of magic in a realistic setting added to the unbelievability of the story.
Context #2 | Noun

in real-life situations

The degree to which something is considered unlikely or hard to believe in a non-fictional context. Unbelievability can arise from extraordinary claims or events.

Synonyms

implausibility, incredibility, unlikelihood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unbelievability

Similar to the first entry but can also carry a negative connotation when referring to something that seems deceptive or false.

  • The unbelievability of his alibi made him the prime suspect.
  • Despite the unbelievability of her excuse, she insisted it was the truth.
implausibility

Often used in more formal or academic settings to describe something that lacks credibility or appears unlikely to be true.

  • The scientist pointed out the implausibility of the hypothesis.
  • Given the lack of evidence, the implausibility of his claim is evident.
incredibility

Generally used to emphasize the awe or amazement at how unbelievable something is, often with a hint of admiration.

  • The incredibility of the magician's tricks left the audience in awe.
  • She told her story with such incredibility that it seemed like a fairy tale.
unlikelihood

Used to discuss probabilities, often in everyday situations, to describe something that seems highly improbable or doubtful.

  • The unlikelihood of rain meant they decided to have the picnic outdoors.
  • Given his poor grades, the unlikelihood of him passing the final exam was very high.

Examples of usage

  • The eyewitness account had a high level of unbelievability due to the supernatural events described.
  • The unbelievability of the scientific discovery left many researchers skeptical.

Translations

Translations of the word "unbelievability" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inacreditabilidade

🇮🇳 अविश्वसनीयता

🇩🇪 Unglaublichkeit

🇮🇩 ketidakpercayaan

🇺🇦 неймовірність

🇵🇱 niewiarygodność

🇯🇵 信じられないこと(しんじられないこと)

🇫🇷 incroyabilité

🇪🇸 incredibilidad

🇹🇷 inanılmazlık

🇰🇷 믿기지 않음

🇸🇦 عدم التصديق

🇨🇿 neuvěřitelnost

🇸🇰 neuveriteľnosť

🇨🇳 难以置信

🇸🇮 neverjetnost

🇮🇸 ótrúleiki

🇰🇿 сенімсіздік

🇬🇪 უტყვილობა

🇦🇿 inanılmazlıq

🇲🇽 incredibilidad

Etymology

The word 'unbelievability' originated in the late 19th century, combining the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'believability'. It reflects the human fascination with the boundary between what is deemed believable and unbelievable, especially in the realms of fiction and non-fiction.

See also: belief, beliefs, believability, believable, believe, believer, believers, disbelieve, disbeliever, disbelieving, nonbeliever, nonbelieving, unbelievable, unbelievably, unbelieving, unbelievingly.