Definition

The state or quality of being impossible to answer or explain.

Example

The unanswerability of the question left everyone in silence.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the concept of unanswerability in philosophy?

I have! It's fascinating how some questions just can't be answered.

Yeah, like those deep life questions that leave you wondering.

Exactly, the unanswerability of some things makes them even more intriguing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unanswerability → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not), "answer" (from Old English "andswaru", meaning a response or reply), and "-ability" (meaning the quality of being able to). The word refers to the quality of not being able to be answered or responded to.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'response' ('answer') and the quality of being able to ('-ability'). This helps you remember that 'unanswerability' means the quality of not being able to provide a response.

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