absolutely unimaginable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely unimaginable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize something that is beyond comprehension or cannot be conceived in any way. Example: "The devastation caused by the natural disaster was absolutely unimaginable to those who had never experienced such a tragedy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

And it's no wonder, when we think of the absolutely unimaginable mind power that was required to take the next step.

The Guardian

"I lived through an experience that is absolutely unimaginable," said Françoise Larribe, a Frenchwoman kidnapped in 2010 in northern Niger, where her husband was working at a uranium mine operated by the French company Areva.

The New York Times

It's also worth adding that these films, and others among the most exhilarating of recent Hollywood films, such as "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "Funny People," "Two Lovers," or "Gentlemen Broncos," would have been absolutely unimaginable in earlier times.

The New Yorker

Through it all, cameras were there, recording history, but also shaping it and controlling our reception of it, just as ubiquitous as digital photography and the visual instantaneousness of social media are — to a degree absolutely unimaginable 50 years back — in catching and creating histories today.

The New York Times - Arts

In a statement, Mrs Merkel said findings by those investigating the crash in the French Alps add an "absolutely unimaginable dimension" to the disaster.

BBC

For a young girl to do so was absolutely unimaginable.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"The tragedy — the tragedies — were absolutely devastating, unimaginable," she began.

The New Yorker

It is an absolutely ridiculous sight, unimaginable in any of the Highly Serious testosterone-rammed universes so familiar to gaming, and every regular hunting companion I have adores prancing at any opportunity: atop a defeated beast, in the hall before setting out, even during little lulls mid-hunt.

The Guardian - Tech

Meanwhile Germany's finance minister has told the Financial Times a British exit from the EU is "unimaginable" and "absolutely not acceptable".

BBC

Although Germany was on the opposite side over Mr Juncker, its finance minister told the Financial Times a British exit from the EU was "unimaginable" and "absolutely not acceptable".

BBC

Anyone full of admiration for a life spent serving us, in the face of unimaginable danger, is absolutely right.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely unimaginable" to emphasize the extreme nature of a situation or event, particularly when describing something unexpected or unprecedented.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely unimaginable" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday situations. This can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely unimaginable" functions as an intensified adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to emphasize the extreme nature of something that cannot be imagined or conceived. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "absolutely unimaginable" is a grammatically correct and impactful way to express extreme disbelief or astonishment. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. While versatile, it's most frequently found in journalistic contexts, serving to emphasize the extraordinary nature of described events. When using this phrase, be mindful of its strength and reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such emphasis to avoid diluting its impact. Consider similar alternatives such as "utterly inconceivable" or "wholly unthinkable" for slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly inconceivable

Emphasizes the impossibility of conceiving or imagining something.

wholly unthinkable

Highlights the unacceptability or impossibility of a thought or idea.

completely beyond belief

Stresses the incredulity associated with something.

totally unfathomable

Focuses on the difficulty or impossibility of understanding something.

simply astounding

Emphasizes the surprise and amazement caused by something.

absolutely incredible

Highlights the difficulty in believing something is true.

quite extraordinary

Emphasizes the unusual and remarkable nature of something.

genuinely remarkable

Focuses on the noteworthy quality of something.

truly breathtaking

Emphasizes the awe-inspiring nature of something.

virtually impossible

Indicates a very low probability of something happening.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely unimaginable" in a sentence?

Use "absolutely unimaginable" to describe something that is beyond comprehension or extremely difficult to believe. For example, "The level of destruction was "absolutely unimaginable"."

What are some alternatives to "absolutely unimaginable"?

Alternatives include "utterly inconceivable", "wholly unthinkable", or "completely beyond belief", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "unimaginable" or "absolutely unimaginable"?

"Absolutely unimaginable" adds emphasis and intensifies the sense of disbelief or incredulity compared to simply using "unimaginable". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "absolutely unimaginable" and "virtually impossible"?

"Absolutely unimaginable" suggests something is beyond comprehension or conception, while "virtually impossible" implies a very low probability of occurring but not necessarily beyond understanding.