unplayable

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ʌnˈpleɪəbl/

KK: /ʌnˈpleɪəbl/

adjective

Definition

Something that cannot be played or is too difficult to play.

Example

The game was so complex that it felt unplayable to new players.

Conversation

Did you try playing that new video game everyone is talking about?

Yeah, but honestly, it's almost unplayable with all the bugs.

I heard it was really challenging, too.

Exactly! It feels like a waste of time since it's so unplayable right now.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

impossible

inaccessible

unmanageable

Antonyms

playable

accessible

manageable

Root Explanation

Unplayable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "play" (from Old English *plegian*, meaning to engage in activity for enjoyment) and "-able" (meaning capable of). The word "unplayable" means not capable of being played or unable to be engaged with in a playful manner.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being able to 'engage in enjoyment' ('play') — that's why unplayable means something that cannot be played.

Visually Confused Words

unpayable

unlayable

unslayable

unprayable