unimaginable

Unimaginable is an English adjective describing something so remarkable, extraordinary, or vast that it is difficult or impossible to imagine. It often conveys a sense of scale, novelty, or intensity that exceeds ordinary human experience.

The word is formed from the prefix un- attached to imaginable, which derives from imagine and ultimately from Latin imaginare through Old French. The compound expresses a maximal degree of not being conceivable within typical mental limits.

In usage, unimaginable emphasizes the limits of comprehension more than mere surprise. It can contrast with synonyms such as incredible, inconceivable, or unthinkable, and is common in journalism, science writing, and literary prose. Some critics view it as hyperbolic when overused.

Examples: The cost of the project is unimaginable. The consequences of the disaster produced unimaginable suffering for the affected communities.