incomprehensible

1 of 2

adjective

in·​com·​pre·​hen·​si·​ble (ˌ)in-ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce incomprehensible (audio)
Synonyms of incomprehensible
1
: impossible to comprehend : unintelligible
incomprehensible instructions
2
archaic : having or subject to no limits
incomprehensibility
(ˌ)in-ˌkäm-pri-ˌhen(t)-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce incomprehensible (audio)
noun
incomprehensibleness noun
incomprehensibly
(ˌ)in-ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-sə-blē How to pronounce incomprehensible (audio)
adverb

incomprehensibility

2 of 2

noun

in·​comprehensibility (¦)in How to pronounce incomprehensibility (audio)
ən+
: the quality or state of being incomprehensible

Synonyms of incomprehensible

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Adjective

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Examples of incomprehensible in a Sentence

Adjective I found his behavior utterly incomprehensible. It's incomprehensible to me that he could have acted that way.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
To make a lunge like that, with his studs up, seemed incomprehensible, never mind dangerous. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 17 June 2026 There have been times when acts of atrocity have been going on — and gosh, some of those things are incomprehensible — yet humanity has found a way. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026 Arthur is a creepy dude, a generic-looking cellphone store employee with an incomprehensible plan. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026 Ashly's death is an incomprehensible tragedy. — Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for incomprehensible

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin incomprehensibilis, from in- + comprehensibilis comprehensible

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of incomprehensible was in the 14th century

Rhymes for incomprehensible

See All Rhymes for incomprehensible

Browse Nearby Words

incomprehensibility
incomprehensible
incomprehension
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incomprehensible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incomprehensible. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

incomprehensible

adjective
in·​com·​pre·​hen·​si·​ble (ˌ)in-ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce incomprehensible (audio)
: impossible to understand
found their behavior incomprehensible
incomprehensibility
-ˌhen(t)-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce incomprehensible (audio)
noun
incomprehensibly
-ˈhen(t)-sə-blē How to pronounce incomprehensible (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on incomprehensible

Nglish: Translation of incomprehensible for Spanish Speakers

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