Definition

Not suitable for publication due to being offensive or inappropriate.

Example

The comedian's unprintable jokes were not allowed in the newspaper.

Conversation

Did you hear about those unprintable comments made at the meeting?

Yeah, I can't believe they actually said that in public!

It's crazy how some people think it's okay to make unprintable remarks.

Right? They really should know better, especially in a professional setting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unprintable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "printable" (from "print" which comes from Old French *preinte*, meaning to press or imprint, combined with the suffix "-able" meaning capable of). The word "unprintable" means not capable of being printed or unsuitable for printing.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'capable of being printed' ('printable') — that's why unprintable means something that cannot be printed.

Visually Confused Words