Definition

Not suitable or able to be made into a film.

Example

The novel was considered unfilmable due to its complex narrative structure.

Conversation

Have you read that new book everyone's talking about?

Yeah, I did! But I think it's unfilmable as a movie.

I agree, the plot is so complicated and detailed.

Exactly! Some stories just work better on the page.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unfilmable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "film" (from Old English *filme*, meaning a thin layer or membrane) and "-able" (meaning capable of). The word "unfilmable" means not capable of being filmed or made into a film.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not' ('un-') able to be captured on 'film' — that's why we say it's unfilmable.

Visually Confused Words