Untouchable: meaning, definitions and examples
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untouchable
[ ʌnˈtʌʧəbəl ]
inviolable
Not able to be touched or affected; beyond the reach of criticism or attack.
Synonyms
immune, impregnable, invulnerable, sacrosanct.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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untouchable |
Describing something or someone that cannot be affected or harmed, often in a social or professional context. Can also refer to something that is off-limits.
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invulnerable |
Describes something that is not susceptible to harm or damage, often in a physical or emotional context.
|
sacrosanct |
Used to describe something that is considered too important or valuable to be interfered with, often in a cultural or religious context.
|
immune |
Used when someone or something is not affected by a disease, condition, or process, often in a medical or metaphorical sense.
|
impregnable |
Refers to something that cannot be broken into or penetrated, often used for physical structures or defenses.
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Examples of usage
- The president's popularity seemed untouchable despite the scandal.
- His reputation in the industry was untouchable.
- The artist's work was considered untouchable by critics.
- Her beauty was so striking that it seemed untouchable.
- The team's winning streak was untouchable.
sports
A player, team, or record that has not been surpassed or exceeded.
Synonyms
dominant, record-breaking, unassailable, unbeatable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
untouchable |
Repeated entry, see above for description and examples. |
unbeatable |
Best used when describing someone or something that cannot be defeated, often in competitions or challenges.
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unassailable |
This word fits when referring to someone or something that cannot be attacked, questioned, or defeated because of their strong position or evidence.
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dominant |
This word is suitable for describing someone or something that is more powerful, influential, or noticeable than others.
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record-breaking |
Use this when talking about achievements that surpass previous records or set new standards.
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Examples of usage
- He was considered an untouchable in the world of tennis.
- The team's unbeaten season made them untouchables in the league.
Translations
Translations of the word "untouchable" in other languages:
🇵🇹 intocável
🇮🇳 अस्पृश्य
🇩🇪 unberührbar
🇮🇩 tidak tersentuh
🇺🇦 недоторканний
🇵🇱 nietykalny
🇯🇵 触れられない
🇫🇷 intouchable
🇪🇸 intocable
🇹🇷 dokunulmaz
🇰🇷 접할 수 없는
🇸🇦 غير قابل للمس
🇨🇿 nedotknutelný
🇸🇰 nedotknuteľný
🇨🇳 不可接触的
🇸🇮 nedotakljiv
🇮🇸 ósnertanlegur
🇰🇿 қол жетпес
🇬🇪 შეუხებელი
🇦🇿 toxunulmaz
🇲🇽 intocable
Etymology
The word 'untouchable' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'touchable'. Originally used to describe something that cannot be touched physically, the term evolved to also represent something that is beyond reproach or criticism. In the context of sports, 'untouchable' gained popularity to describe players, teams, or records that are unmatched or unbeatable. The word carries a sense of invincibility and superiority, emphasizing the idea of being beyond reach or surpassing all others.
See also: touch, touchable, touchably, touched, touchiness, touching, touchingly, touchy, untouchability, untouched.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #26,455, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 26452 emulating
- 26453 microfilming
- 26454 squirm
- 26455 untouchable
- 26456 dishevelled
- 26457 counterpoise
- 26458 restarted
- ...