Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it's unfathomable
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
43 human-written examples
"It's unfathomable," its awestruck star, Steve Van Dormer, told Hollywood.com.
News & Media
While Rovio Entertainment was comparatively more successful than OMGPOP before debuting its household name title on the iPhone in 2009, it's unfathomable that the once obscure Finnish developer would be valued for as much as $6 billion without the success of Angry Birds and its offspring.
News & Media
"Congo has among the highest sexual violence in the world — it's unfathomable that they brought no such charges," said Bridgid Inder of the Women's Initiatives for Gender Justice, one of the rights groups following the trial.
News & Media
Scott Gilbert, lead counsel in the lawsuit, said: "It's unfathomable that our own government could stand by as its agents, operating on United States soil, killed an American citizen in cold blood, destroyed his family, and then allowed those directly responsible to walk away without so much as a blemish on their personnel files.
News & Media
It's unfathomable now.
News & Media
"It's unfathomable to them what we do.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
14 human-written examples
Mr. Patterson, who is Ms. Iseli's lawyer, said it was unfathomable that Cabell Huntington Hospital could make these mistakes "after the entire radiology world and the universe was aware of the problems".
News & Media
To an Italian it is unfathomable that a job's permanency can become void.
News & Media
It was unfathomable when Captain Burlingame's only daughter, Wendy, was killed at the age of 32.
News & Media
It is unfathomable that its recent weekend fare has included bull riding, curling and skateboarding (and the Kentucky Derby).
News & Media
It was unfathomable, Mr. Reed said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it's unfathomable" to express a strong sense of disbelief or incomprehension, particularly when something seems illogical or morally wrong. For emphasis, consider pairing it with strong verbs or adverbs.
Common error
Avoid using "it's unfathomable" for minor inconveniences or slightly surprising events. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for situations that genuinely inspire disbelief or are deeply perplexing.
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it's unfathomable" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a strong sense of disbelief, incomprehension, or moral outrage. Ludwig examples show its use in response to shocking or illogical situations.
Frequent in
News & Media
98%
Formal & Business
1%
Science
1%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it's unfathomable" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a powerful sense of disbelief, incomprehension, or moral outrage. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to express astonishment and negative judgment towards illogical or shocking events. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use and acceptability in the English language, highlighting its function as an evaluative expression. When writing, reserve it for situations that genuinely inspire disbelief, and consider related phrases like "it's incomprehensible" or "it's unimaginable" for similar but nuanced meanings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it's incomprehensible
Replaces "unfathomable" with "incomprehensible", focusing on the difficulty to understand.
it's unimaginable
Substitutes "unfathomable" with "unimaginable", highlighting the difficulty to conceive or picture something.
it's beyond belief
Emphasizes the extraordinary nature of something that is difficult to accept as true.
it's inconceivable
Similar to "unimaginable" but may imply a logical impossibility.
it defies understanding
Highlights the lack of rational explanation for something.
it's simply unbelievable
Expresses strong disbelief and astonishment.
I can't wrap my head around it
An idiomatic expression indicating difficulty in understanding or accepting something.
it beggars description
Something so extraordinary that it goes beyond the power of language to describe it.
it's mind-boggling
Emphasizes the overwhelming and confusing nature of something.
it's a mystery to me
Focuses on the lack of understanding and the enigmatic nature of something.
FAQs
How can I use "it's unfathomable" in a sentence?
You can use "it's unfathomable" to express disbelief or incomprehension about something. For example, "It's unfathomable that such a thing could happen in this day and age".
What are some alternatives to "it's unfathomable"?
Alternatives include "it's incomprehensible", "it's unimaginable", or "it's beyond belief", depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Is it correct to say "it is unfathomable" instead of "it's unfathomable"?
Yes, "it is unfathomable" is grammatically correct and more formal than "it's unfathomable", which is a contraction. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.
What's the difference between "it's unfathomable" and "I can't understand it"?
"It's unfathomable" expresses a stronger sense of disbelief or moral outrage, while "I can't understand it" simply indicates a lack of comprehension. "It's unfathomable" implies that something is not only difficult to understand but also unacceptable or shocking.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested