unspeakable

/ˈʌnˌspikəbəl/

/ənˈspikəbəl/

Something that's unspeakable can't be accurately put into words, like the unspeakable sadness of losing your beloved cat.

You can use this adjective for things that can't be spoken or articulated, including the unspeakable joy of reuniting with your lost cat or certain unspeakable swear words that aren't allowed at school. But it's most often used to capture a feeling of horror that remains inexpressible even when people try to talk about it. The unspeakable evil of genocide is one example; when we can't comprehend why it happens, it's impossible to describe in words.

Definitions of unspeakable

1. adjective

   defying expression or description
   “unspeakable happiness”

   synonyms: indefinable, indescribable, ineffable, untellable, unutterable

   inexpressible, unexpressible

   defying expression
2. adjective

   exceptionally bad or displeasing
   “an unspeakable odor came sweeping into the room”

   synonyms: abominable, abysmal, atrocious, awful, dreadful, painful, terrible, vile

   bad

   having undesirable or negative qualities
3. adjective

   too sacred to be uttered
   synonyms: ineffable, unnameable, unutterable

   sacred

   concerned with religion or religious purposes