incalculable

USAGE SUMMARY

"incalculable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is so large that it cannot be accurately measured or assessed, or to refer to something that is beyond measure or estimation. Example: The incalculable wealth of the Roman Empire was legendary.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

O'Brien last week applied for a injunction to restrain broadcasters reporting about his deal with IBRC on the grounds that it breached his privacy rights and would cause him incalculable commercial damage.

The Guardian

So, in a sense, they were, but they were not dealing with a business proposition - they were concerned with murder, with the incalculable loss of blameless life".

The Guardian

It's hard to think of any poet more determined to stay true to the topologies of language, culture and identity, and in particular to the bogs, mists and mizzling rain of the land that grew him, and his loss is incalculable.

The Guardian - Books

Australia were weaker opponents than Wales, slow to react, but one thing the 2003 World Cup-winning players, at Twickenham for a reunion, could tell their successors was that victories over southern forces have an incalculable psychological value.

The Guardian - Sport

Their suffering during the years of Islamist terror had been incalculable.

The Guardian

Sadly for Mr Moynihan and his beleaguered bank, that one problem division packs quite a wallop.The losses from the bank's mortgage operations are not just vast, they are literally incalculable.

The Economist

Two hundred years later, Christopher Columbus annotated his copy of the Venetian adventurer's "Travels" with the words "Mercacciones innumeras" ("an incalculable amount of trade") before setting out for mythical Cathay.

The Economist

When it arrived, the proselytisers promised, everyday objects cars, household appliances, food, clothing, pets, medical implants, tools and toys would be connected to the internet via smart chips capable of sensing and sharing information about themselves and their surroundings.The savings for society, the interested parties claimed, would be incalculable.

The Economist

It has reaped incalculable marketing gains from the 500m spectators around the world who are reckoned on average to have tuned in to watch each of the 64 matches.

The Economist

Not so colour-blind Keynes in reverse Time to fold No crib for a bed Gently does it Obama, the worried warrior ReprintsA failed Mexico would have incalculable consequences for America.

The Economist

Only if they are incalculable will they try to take their chips off the table altogether, in a desperate scramble for cash (or near-cash).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incalculable", consider whether you want to emphasize the impossibility of calculation or the immensity of something. Choose synonyms if a slightly different nuance is required.

Common error

Avoid using "incalculable" to exaggerate minor impacts. Reserve it for situations where the magnitude truly defies quantification, ensuring the term retains its impact.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "incalculable" primarily functions to qualify a noun by indicating that it is impossible to calculate or estimate due to its immense size, complexity, or unpredictability. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a descriptor of immeasurable quantities or effects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "incalculable" is a versatile term used to describe something that is impossible to calculate or estimate, often due to its immense size, complexity, or unpredictability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It frequently appears in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias", signaling its relevance in describing significant impacts or values. While synonyms like "immeasurable" or "unfathomable" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. Remember to reserve "incalculable" for situations where the magnitude truly defies quantification, maintaining its impact and avoiding hyperbole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Immeasurable

Indicates something that cannot be measured, emphasizing the lack of a quantifiable value.

Beyond measure

Highlights that something exceeds any possible measurement or assessment.

Impossible to compute

Focuses on the inability to calculate or determine a specific value.

Inestimable

Emphasizes the impossibility of estimating the value or extent of something.

Unfathomable

Suggests that something is too deep or complex to be understood or measured.

Countless

Implies a quantity so large that it is impossible to count.

Innumerable

Similar to "countless", emphasizing the vastness of a quantity.

Beyond calculation

Stresses that something is outside the realm of what can be mathematically determined.

Unpredictable

Focuses on the inability to foresee or determine future outcomes.

Inconceivable

Highlights that something is difficult to imagine or believe due to its magnitude or complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "incalculable" in a sentence?

You can use "incalculable" to describe something that is impossible to calculate or estimate, such as "The damage to the environment is "incalculable"" or "The benefits of education are "incalculable"".

What are some synonyms for "incalculable"?

Alternatives to "incalculable" include "immeasurable", "inestimable", "unfathomable", and "countless". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "incalculable" or "immeasurable"?

"Incalculable" emphasizes the inability to calculate something precisely, while "immeasurable" stresses that something is too large or vast to be measured. The choice depends on the specific aspect you want to highlight.

Can "incalculable" be used to describe a person's character?

Yes, although less common, "incalculable" can describe someone whose behavior or moods are unpredictable. For example, "His reactions were "incalculable", making it difficult to anticipate his next move."