an absolutely unthinkable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an absolutely unthinkable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is so extreme or outrageous that it cannot be conceived or imagined. Example: "The idea of abandoning the project at this stage is an absolutely unthinkable decision for our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It would be an absolutely unthinkable thing".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Such a conjecture is absolutely unthinkable and impossible," he replied.

The Guardian

As an American, the oppression is absolutely unthinkable.

Huffington Post

But Berlusconi told one of his three television channels: "It is absolutely unthinkable in a democracy for the parties that lost the election to assume governmental responsibilities".

The Guardian

For me to even consider taking one penny from a client is totally and absolutely unthinkable.

Huffington Post

He also said that, in light of the long American defense of Western Europe after World War II, it was "absolutely unthinkable for me" to decline President Bush's request for an Italian military presence to help the rebuilding of Iraq.

The New York Times

"Today it seems absolutely unthinkable and yet back then it was very normal," says Lee Shetterly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So awful, in fact, they are now doing the heretofore absolutely unthinkable and moving out of London.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We don't own the missiles and it is absolutely unthinkable that we should ever consider using it or threatening to use it without having the clearance of the United States," he said.

The Guardian

The present is tragic but the future is absolutely unthinkable.

Huffington Post

This is the kind of legislation that would've been absolutely unthinkable before Snowden.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an absolutely unthinkable" to emphatically reject an idea or possibility, adding strong emphasis to the notion that something is beyond consideration.

Common error

While effective for emphasis, avoid using "an absolutely unthinkable" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced or professional language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an absolutely unthinkable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something as completely beyond consideration or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an absolutely unthinkable" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to express a strong sense of impossibility or unacceptability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While suitable for various contexts, including news and general discussions, it's important to consider the tone and style when using it in formal writing. Alternatives like "utterly inconceivable" or "completely out of the question" may be more appropriate in certain situations. The phrase's emphatic nature makes it effective for conveying strong sentiments, but judicious use is advised to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely impossible

Stresses the complete lack of feasibility or possibility.

utterly inconceivable

Emphasizes the difficulty of imagining or conceiving something.

wholly unimaginable

Highlights the inability to form a mental image of something.

beyond all consideration

Highlights that something should not even be considered.

completely out of the question

Indicates a firm refusal or rejection, making something not worth discussing.

totally beyond the pale

Suggests something is unacceptable or inappropriate according to social norms.

simply not an option

States that something is not a viable or permissible choice.

entirely preposterous

Highlights the ridiculousness or absurdity of something.

patently absurd

Indicates that something is clearly or obviously nonsensical.

unquestionably untenable

Emphasizes that something cannot be defended or maintained.

FAQs

How can I use "an absolutely unthinkable" in a sentence?

You can use "an absolutely unthinkable" to describe something that is completely beyond consideration or imagination. For example, "Abandoning the project now is "an absolutely unthinkable" decision".

What phrases are similar to "an absolutely unthinkable"?

Alternatives include "utterly inconceivable", "wholly unimaginable", or "completely out of the question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "an absolutely unthinkable" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "an absolutely unthinkable" might be too emphatic for some formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "highly improbable" or "unlikely".

What's the difference between "an absolutely unthinkable" and "unlikely"?

"An absolutely unthinkable" expresses a stronger degree of impossibility or unacceptability than "unlikely". The former suggests something is beyond consideration, while the latter simply indicates a low probability.