Unthinkableness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤯

Add to dictionary

unthinkableness

[ʌnˈθɪŋkəb(ə)lnəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

extreme rarity

The quality of being unthinkable or unimaginable; the state of being beyond what is considered possible or conceivable.

Synonyms

impossibility, inconceivability, incredibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unthinkableness	This word is often used to describe a situation or idea that is so extreme or unimaginable that it cannot be considered or believed. The unthinkableness of living on Mars makes it hard for many people to take the idea seriously
inconceivability	This term is best used when something is beyond comprehension or cannot be imagined, often expressing a deep level of surprise or shock. The inconceivability of winning the lottery was something he had never considered, yet it happened
incredibility	Use this word when describing something that is hard to believe or seems too extraordinary to be true. It often has a positive connotation. The incredibility of her talent left the audience speechless
impossibility	Use this term to refer to something that cannot happen or be done, often with a focus on physical or logical constraints. The impossibility of faster-than-light travel is a well-established principle in physics

Examples of usage

It was the sheer unthinkableness of such a scenario that made everyone gasp in horror.
The unthinkableness of the situation left us all speechless.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

The concept challenges human limits on cognition and comprehension, as some ideas stretch beyond our understanding.
Philosophers often engage with themes of the 'unknowable' to explore the boundaries of human thought.
This term can be employed to discuss paradoxes or existential crises that evoke strong responses of disbelief.

Literature

Authors often use this term to describe plot twists or events so shocking that they elicit a strong emotional response from readers.
In gothic and horror literature, unthinkableness heightens tension and intrigue, leaving readers in awe of the unimaginable.
Classic fairy tales sometimes present unthinkable transformations that challenge our perception of reality.

Psychology

When faced with traumatic events, individuals may experience unthinkableness as a mental defense mechanism to avoid painful thoughts.
Cognitive dissonance can arise when people confront beliefs that clash with the unthinkable, leading to a state of confusion.
Experiments in psychology explore how our brains react to ideas labeled as unthinkable, providing insight into human resilience.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict scenarios branded as unthinkable, such as sudden alien invasions or apocalyptic events, prompting audiences to question reality.
Popular fiction frequently explores the boundary of the unthinkable, drawing viewers and readers into extraordinary adventures.
Reality TV sometimes addresses unthinkable behaviors to generate drama, capturing our fascination with the bizarre.

Origin of 'unthinkableness'

Main points about word origin

The prefix 'un-' indicates negation, meaning 'not', while 'think' comes from Old English 'þencan', which means to conceive in the mind.
The suffix '-ableness' originates from the word 'able', stemming from Latin 'abilis', indicating capability.
The whole word combines to express a state where it's difficult to even consider a concept.

The word 'unthinkableness' is a derivative of the adjective 'unthinkable,' which dates back to the late 16th century. The prefix 'un-' signifies negation, while 'thinkable' comes from the verb 'think.' The addition of the suffix '-ness' transforms the adjective into a noun, indicating the quality or state of being unthinkable. Over the centuries, 'unthinkableness' has been used to describe situations or ideas that are so extreme or unimaginable that they surpass normal limits of comprehension.