unmentionable
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ʌnˈmɛnʧənəbl/
KK: /ʌnˈmɛnʧənəbl/
adjective
Definition
Something that is not suitable to be talked about or discussed openly.
Example
The topic was so sensitive that it was considered unmentionable in polite conversation.
Conversation
Did you hear about the unmentionable incident at the party last night?
No, what happened?
I can't believe they let that unmentionable thing happen in front of everyone!
Right? It's definitely something we shouldn't discuss openly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unspeakable
taboo
indecent
Antonyms
acceptable
mentionable
permissible
noun
Definition
A thing or topic that is considered too embarrassing or inappropriate to mention or discuss.
Example
The scandal was filled with unmentionables that shocked everyone.
Conversation
Did you hear about the party theme?
Yeah, I heard it's about the unmentionable things we did last summer.
I can't believe we're actually discussing the unmentionable moments!
Root Explanation
Unmentionable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "mention" (from Latin "mentio", meaning to refer to or speak of) and the suffix "-able" (meaning capable of being). The word "unmentionable" describes something that is not capable of being mentioned, often due to its taboo nature.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'not' ('un-') 'spoken of' ('mention') and is 'capable of being' ('-able') avoided in conversation.
Visually Confused Words
mentionable
unmotionable
unpensionable
unminable
unsanctionable
unquestionable
unmaintainable
unretainable