illimitable

Illimitable is an English adjective meaning not capable of being limited; limitless or boundless. It is commonly used to describe vast domains such as space, time, or human potential, often in literary, philosophical, or rhetorical contexts. The term can express that there are no discernible boundaries in principle, though it may emphasize qualitative rather than quantitative infinity.

Etymology: The word derives from illimitabilis in Latin, meaning not limitable, formed from in- “not” plus limitabilis “able to be limited.” It entered English via Latin, with later influence from Old French. The form illimitable has been in use since the early modern period and remains comparatively formal and literary.

Usage: Illimitable tends to appear in elevated prose to evoke awe before vastness or potential. It is often interchangeable with limitless, boundless, or infinite, but can carry nuances of possibility or imagination rather than fixed numerical infinity. In philosophical or religious discourse, illimitable space or illimitable freedom may underscore transcendence beyond finite constraints.

See also: Related terms include limitless, boundless, infinite, and unbounded.