Definition

Something that is very difficult or impossible to understand or measure.

Example

The reasons for his sudden departure were unfathomable to everyone.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how unfathomable the universe is?

Absolutely! It's mind-blowing to think about how vast it is.

Right? Sometimes, I feel like our understanding is just so unfathomable.

I know, it makes you realize how much we still have to learn!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unfathomable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "fathom" (from Old English *fæðm*, meaning to embrace or to measure the depth of water). The suffix "-able" (meaning capable of) indicates that something is not capable of being measured or understood. Thus, "unfathomable" describes something that cannot be comprehended or measured.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not' ('un-') able to be 'measured' ('fathom') — that's why unfathomable means something that cannot be understood.

Visually Confused Words