Unthinkability - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

inability to be thought of or imagined

The unthinkability of such a catastrophic event left everyone in shock. It was beyond the realm of possibility and comprehension.

Synonyms

inconceivability, unimaginableness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unthinkability	Use 'unthinkability' to express that something is completely beyond consideration or belief, often implying a taboo or highly unlikely scenario. The unthinkability of betraying his own family left him feeling deeply conflicted
inconceivability	Use 'inconceivability' to emphasize the idea of something being beyond normal understanding or belief, often used in intellectual or abstract discussions. The inconceivability of parallel universes kept many scientists intrigued and puzzled
unimaginableness	Use 'unimaginableness' to describe something that cannot be imagined or pictured in the mind, often used in creative or descriptive contexts. The unimaginableness of such a vast, empty universe made her feel small and insignificant

Word

Description / Examples

unthinkability

Use 'unthinkability' to express that something is completely beyond consideration or belief, often implying a taboo or highly unlikely scenario.

The unthinkability of betraying his own family left him feeling deeply conflicted

inconceivability

Use 'inconceivability' to emphasize the idea of something being beyond normal understanding or belief, often used in intellectual or abstract discussions.

The inconceivability of parallel universes kept many scientists intrigued and puzzled

unimaginableness

Use 'unimaginableness' to describe something that cannot be imagined or pictured in the mind, often used in creative or descriptive contexts.

The unimaginableness of such a vast, empty universe made her feel small and insignificant

Examples of usage

The sheer unthinkability of the situation paralyzed him.
The unthinkability of such a tragedy made it difficult for people to process.
It was the unthinkability of the consequences that kept him up at night.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

Philosophers often discuss unthinkability to challenge the limits of human understanding and consciousness.
Conceptions that are deemed unthinkable can help define the boundaries of what is considered possible or real.

Science

In theoretical physics, certain concepts, like higher dimensions, can seem unthinkable because they defy everyday experiences.
Cosmologists deal with unthinkable scenarios when pondering the origins of the universe or parallel universes.

Literature

In dystopian fiction, themes of unthinkability often arise, depicting scenarios that challenge our moral and ethical beliefs.
Writers use unthinkable situations to provoke thought and reflection on societal norms and human behavior.

Cultural References

In pop culture, 'unthinkable' often appears in titles of books or movies to highlight shocking or unexpected twists.
Music and art sometimes explore unthinkable themes to push the audience’s imagination beyond conventional limits.

Origin of 'unthinkability'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'un-' (not) and 'thinkable' (able to be thought about), emphasizing something that cannot be thought of.
The root 'think' comes from Old English 'þencan,' which means to conceive in the mind or reflect.

The word 'unthinkability' is a combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning not, and the noun 'thinkability' derived from the verb 'think'. The concept of something being unthinkable dates back to ancient philosophy, where the limits of human thought and imagination were explored. Over time, the term has evolved to describe situations or events that are so extreme or impossible to comprehend that they are considered beyond the realm of thought.

Unthinkability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations