Definition

Describing something that is difficult or impossible to listen to with enjoyment or comfort.

Example

The music was so chaotic that it was completely unlistenable.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you hear that new band everyone's talking about?

Yeah, I tried listening to their album, but it was pretty unlistenable.

I know, right? I couldn't get through the first song without cringing.

Exactly! Some of the sounds they used were just too much.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unlistenable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "listenable" (from "listen" (from Old English *hlysnan*, meaning to hear) and "-able" (meaning capable of)). The word "unlistenable" means not capable of being listened to or difficult to hear.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'capable of being heard' ('listenable') — that's why unlistenable means something that is hard to listen to.

Visually Confused Words