Unfathomability: meaning, definitions and examples

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unfathomability

 

[ ʌnˌfæðəməˈbɪləti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

incomprehensible

The quality of being impossible to understand or fathom.

Synonyms

incomprehensibility, inscrutability, unintelligibility.

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Word Description / Examples
unfathomability

Describes something so deep or complex that it cannot be fully grasped or understood. Often used to describe abstract concepts or profound emotions.

  • The unfathomability of the universe leaves scientists in awe.
  • She was struck by the unfathomability of his sorrow.
incomprehensibility

Refers to something that cannot be understood due to its complexity or confusing nature. Commonly used when discussing difficult texts, ideas, or languages.

  • The mathematical proof's incomprehensibility frustrated the students.
  • To the layman, the legal jargon was a source of incomprehensibility.
inscrutability

Describes something or someone that is hard to understand or interpret, often because it is enigmatic or mysterious. Used when referring to people or situations that seem secretive or full of hidden meanings.

  • His inscrutability made it hard to know what he was really thinking.
  • The ancient text's inscrutability puzzled archaeologists for years.
unintelligibility

Indicates that something is impossible to understand, often due to poor articulation, noise, or inherent confusion. Generally used for speech or written text.

  • The unintelligibility of his mumbling made it hard to follow the lecture.
  • The static on the radio rendered the news broadcast unintelligible.

Examples of usage

  • The unfathomability of the universe is both awe-inspiring and frustrating.
  • His unfathomability left everyone puzzled and intrigued.

Translations

Translations of the word "unfathomability" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insondabilidade

🇮🇳 अथाहता

🇩🇪 Unergründlichkeit

🇮🇩 ketidakdapatdipahaman

🇺🇦 неосяжність

🇵🇱 niezgłębioność

🇯🇵 不可解さ (fukaikasa)

🇫🇷 insondabilité

🇪🇸 insondabilidad

🇹🇷 anlaşılamazlık

🇰🇷 이해할 수 없음 (ihaehal su eopseum)

🇸🇦 عدم القابلية للفهم

🇨🇿 nepochopitelnost

🇸🇰 nepochopiteľnosť

🇨🇳 不可理解 (bùkě lǐjiě)

🇸🇮 nedoumljivost

🇮🇸 óskiljanleiki

🇰🇿 түсініксіздік

🇬🇪 გაურკვევლობა

🇦🇿 anlaşılmazlıq

🇲🇽 insondabilidad

Etymology

The word 'unfathomability' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'fathom', which comes from Middle English 'fathme', meaning 'outstretched arms' or 'to embrace'. The concept of something being 'unfathomable' or 'beyond understanding' has been a recurring theme in literature and philosophy, reflecting humanity's struggle to comprehend the vastness and complexity of the world around us.