Definition

Someone or something that cannot be taught or is very difficult to teach.

Example

The student was considered unteachable because he refused to listen to any instructions.

Conversation

Have you ever met someone who is completely unteachable?

Yeah, it's frustrating when they just won't listen.

I feel like some people just aren't open to learning anything new.

Exactly! It's like they're stuck in their own ways.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unteachable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "teachable" (from the root "teach" which comes from Old English "tǣcan", meaning to show or instruct, combined with the suffix "-able" meaning capable of). The word "unteachable" means not capable of being taught or instructed.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'not' ('un-') capable of being 'shown' or 'instructed' ('teachable'). This helps you remember that 'unteachable' refers to someone who cannot be taught.

Visually Confused Words