Definition

Something that cannot be adopted or is not suitable for adoption.

Example

The shelter has many pets, but some are considered unadoptable due to their health issues.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new shelter opening downtown?

Yeah, I heard they have a lot of pets looking for homes.

I hope they don’t have any unadoptable animals there, though.

Me too! Every pet deserves a loving home.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unadoptable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "adoptable" (from Latin "adoptare", meaning to choose for oneself). The word "unadoptable" means not able to be chosen or taken in as an adoptive child.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'able to be chosen' ('adoptable') — that's why unadoptable means something that cannot be chosen for adoption.

Visually Confused Words