undetectable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undetectable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be detected or identified, often in contexts related to technology, science, or security. Example: "The new software update includes features that make the malware undetectable by traditional antivirus programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This may be called the problem of undetected (and perhaps undetectable) soul-switching.

SEP

If a body was taken into a den, or even if it lay in a ditch, the tag would be undetectable.

The Guardian

As an undetectable means of bumping someone off, poison has fallen steeply out of favour in recent times, forensic technology having advanced to such a degree that the presence of even the smallest quantities of any toxic agent in a corpse will now almost inevitably be detected.

The Guardian

Like watching the Olympics 100 metre final when one contestant is on an undetectable performance-enhancing drug, it is almost more demoralising to know that you cannot know what is truthful than to be certain that you are being lied to, for in the second case you can at least be confident of what is not real.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Boyce says that Mr Kay's pictures do not tell the whole story: although elk have been hard on these trees in some places, in others their impact is undetectable.

The Economist

See articleMeanwhile, the legislature in Illinois cut benefits in the state's pension scheme, which is $100 billion in the red.The House of Representatives extended a measure that outlaws guns undetectable by airport screening, but without the provision for home-made 3D-printed guns that officials wanted.

The Economist

And the distance between driving a used Hyundai Elantra and a new Jaguar XJ is well nigh undetectable compared with the difference between motoring and hiking through the muck.

The Economist

See articleThe CIA announced that it had foiled a plot to blow up an aeroplane using an enhanced and possibly undetectable "underpants bomb".

The Economist

This was surreptitiously placed on the doorstep of the home of the victim, whose bare feet rubbed and absorbed the toxin.The active ingredient of this poison was tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin which can paralyse and reduce breathing and heart rates to undetectable levels while preserving consciousness.

The Economist

In June 2003, a syringe containing a hitherto unknown and undetectable steroid, tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), was sent to America's anti-doping agency, apparently by a disaffected coach.

The Economist

Driving doping out of sport may prove impossible, however especially as undetectable gene therapies may soon be on the market.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing security measures, use "undetectable" to emphasize the inability to bypass them, for example: "The new encryption makes data breaches virtually undetectable."

Common error

Avoid using "undetectable" when you mean something is not permissible or allowable. "Unacceptable" is more appropriate for describing things that violate rules or standards.

Linguistic Context

The word "undetectable" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is impossible or extremely difficult to detect or perceive. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Undetectable" is an adjective used to describe something impossible or extremely difficult to detect. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears frequently in contexts related to news, media, and science. Alternatives include "imperceptible", "untraceable", and "invisible". When writing, it's important to ensure that "undetectable" is not confused with "unacceptable". To use it effectively, ensure you are emphasizing the impossibility of detection or perception. This guide provides practical tips and common errors to avoid when using the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imperceptible

Refers to something that is so subtle that it is impossible or difficult to perceive.

untraceable

Indicates something that cannot be followed or discovered back to its origin.

invisible

Describes something that cannot be seen, either literally or figuratively.

insensible

Suggests that something is not perceptible by the senses.

inconspicuous

Highlights something that does not attract attention and is therefore difficult to notice.

unnoticeable

Means something that is not likely to be noticed or attract attention.

covert

Describes something done secretly or discreetly, making it difficult to detect.

hidden

Indicates something concealed or out of sight.

veiled

Suggests something obscured or not expressed directly.

disguised

Means something that has been altered in appearance to conceal its true nature.

FAQs

How can I use "undetectable" in a sentence?

Use "undetectable" to describe something that cannot be detected or perceived. For example, "The new virus was "undetectable" by most antivirus software".

What words are similar to "undetectable"?

Synonyms for "undetectable" include "imperceptible", "untraceable", and "invisible". Choose the word that best fits the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "completely undetectable"?

Yes, saying something is "completely undetectable" emphasizes that there is no way to detect it with current methods or technology. It is used for emphasis.

What is the difference between "undetectable" and "unnoticeable"?

"Undetectable" implies something cannot be found or perceived through any means, while "unnoticeable" suggests something is merely not likely to be noticed. "Unnoticeable" refers to a lack of attention, while undetectable refers to a lack of ability to find something.