incommunicado
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌɪnkəˌmjunɪˈkɑːdoʊ/
KK: /ɪnˌkəˌmjunɪˈkɑːdoʊ/
adjective
Definition
In a state where someone cannot communicate or is unable to be contacted.
Example
After the storm, the town was left incommunicado for several days.
Conversation
I tried calling Sarah, but she's been incommunicado for days now.
That's strange! I wonder if she's okay.
I hope so too; I can't imagine being incommunicado for so long.
Yeah, it's definitely concerning. Let's check in on her later.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
isolated
cutoff
detached
Antonyms
connected
communicative
reachable
adverb
Definition
In a state where someone cannot communicate with others, often due to restrictions or isolation.
Example
The journalist was held incommunicado for several days without any contact with the outside world.
Conversation
Did you hear about that journalist who was held incommunicado?
Yeah, it's really concerning how they can do that.
I can't believe they can just isolate someone like that.
Root Explanation
Incommunicado → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "communicado" (from Latin "communicare", meaning to communicate). The word describes a state of being not able to communicate or being cut off from communication.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'not' able to 'communicate' — 'in-' means not, and 'communicado' relates to communication.
Visually Confused Words
uncommunicated
intercommunicator
communicator