incombustible
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɪnˈkʌm.bə.stə.bəl/
KK: /ɪnˈkəmˌbʌstəbl/
adjective
Definition
Not able to catch fire or burn.
Example
The building materials used were incombustible, ensuring safety during the fire.
Conversation
Did you know that some materials are incombustible?
Really? I had no idea such things existed.
Yeah, it means they can't catch fire at all.
That's pretty cool! I wonder what they're used for.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fireproof
nonflammable
flameproof
Antonyms
combustible
flammable
burnable
noun
Definition
A material or object that cannot catch fire or be burned.
Example
The building was constructed with incombustible materials to ensure safety.
Conversation
Did you know that some materials are completely incombustible?
Really? I had no idea such things existed.
Yeah, they don't catch fire at all, which is pretty cool.
Root Explanation
Incombustible is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "combustibilis" (from Latin, meaning able to be burned). The word describes something that cannot be burned or is resistant to fire.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('in-') being able to be 'burned' ('combustibilis') — that's why incombustible means something that cannot catch fire.
Visually Confused Words
uncombustible
combustible
noncombustible
combustibly