Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ʌnˈseɪəbl//
KK: /ʌnˈseɪəbl/
Definition
Something that cannot be easily expressed or spoken about.
Example
Her feelings about the situation were unsayable, leaving her in silence.
Conversation

Have you ever felt like some thoughts are just unsayable?

Definitely! There are things I find hard to express, even to my closest friends.

Right? It's like they are too heavy to put into words.

Exactly! Sometimes it's better to keep those feelings to ourselves.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
inexpressible
ineffable
unutterable
Antonyms
expressible
articulate
verbal
Definition
Something that cannot be easily expressed or spoken about.
Example
The feelings of loss and grief can sometimes feel unsayable.
Conversation

Have you ever experienced something that felt unsayable?

Definitely, some feelings are just too deep to express.

Right? It's like we have this unsayable weight inside us sometimes.
Root Explanation
Unsayable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "say" (from Old English "secgan", meaning to speak) and "-able" (meaning capable of). The word "unsayable" means not capable of being spoken or unable to be expressed in words.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'speak' ('say') and 'able' meaning capable. This helps you remember that 'unsayable' refers to something that cannot be expressed in words.
Visually Confused Words
unswayable
unstayable
unslayable
unpayable
unlayable
sayable
undismayable
unstavable