Definition

The quality of being difficult to understand or interpret; something that is mysterious or not easily figured out.

Example

The inscrutability of her expression made it hard to know what she was thinking.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the inscrutability of some people's intentions?

Yeah, it can be really confusing sometimes.

I mean, you think you know someone, but their actions can be so hard to read.

Exactly! It's like a puzzle you can't solve.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inscrutability is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "scrutari" (meaning to search or examine) and the suffix "-ability" (meaning the quality of being). The word describes the quality of being impossible to search or examine, hence, something that cannot be understood or interpreted.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being able to 'search' ('scrutari') something — that's why inscrutability means something that cannot be understood.

Visually Confused Words