untouchable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "untouchable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is beyond criticism, harm, or influence, often in a social or political context. Example: "In the world of politics, some leaders consider themselves untouchable, believing they are immune to accountability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— In the sometimes bland Nascar garage, at least one driver has dared to criticize the powerful, call out the untouchable, slap down the unbearable and catch the seemingly uncatchable.

The New York Times - Sports

In the rural areas, if even the shadow of an untouchable goes on a pandit, that man can be killed".

The Guardian

"He met so many people that he realised he had an untouchable black book and he had a much better understanding of what goes on behind the headlines," said Bell.

The Guardian

She told the New York Post: "For young African Americans to feel that they have a chance to see a brown face on the stage – that ballet isn't this white world that's untouchable to them – I think having that visual does so much.

The Guardian

With her election virtually assured at a party congress in December, she will take a seat on Zanu-PF's politburo and, as Mugabe's wife, be untouchable.

The Guardian

Last week, the army bombarded rebel strongholds there to flush them out of the capital, once seen as Assad's untouchable seat of power but now host to daily fighting.

The Guardian

Grudgingly it seems the Sun has been dragged into the 21st century and dropped this supposedly untouchable national institution.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The rich, the people at the very top, are untouchable in Greece.

The Guardian

This was the precisely the megalomaniac, untouchable ethos that appeared to contribute to Clarkson feeling that it was perfectly reasonable to harangue and attack that BBC employee the way he did.

The Guardian - Opinion

Miliband is untouchable.

The Guardian

While still at school in Belgrade, Yugoslavia's (and Serbia's) capital, he dared muster a petition against a law that made the country's untouchable post-war dictator, Marshal Tito, president for life.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "untouchable" to describe a person or entity, be mindful of its historical connotations, particularly its association with the caste system in India. Ensure that the context avoids perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Common error

Avoid using the term "untouchable" casually or metaphorically in discussions about social inequality or discrimination, as it can trivialize the experiences of marginalized communities who have historically faced systemic oppression. Instead, opt for more neutral alternatives like "immune" or "beyond reach" to prevent unintentional offense.

Linguistic Context

The word "untouchable" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something or someone that is beyond physical touch, influence, or legal action. As Ludwig AI shows, it can also act as a noun, referring to a person of the lowest caste in the Indian caste system or, metaphorically, someone who is beyond reproach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "untouchable" is frequently used as an adjective and sometimes as a noun, with a range of meanings from physically untouchable to metaphorically invulnerable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it carries historical and social weight, particularly in relation to the Indian caste system. When writing, be aware of these connotations to avoid misuse or unintentional offense. The word commonly appears in news and formal contexts. Alternatives like "invulnerable", "immune", and "beyond reach" offer less sensitive options depending on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invulnerable

Highlights the inability to be harmed or damaged, emphasizing a state of protection.

beyond reproach

Focuses on the idea of being free from blame or criticism, shifting the emphasis from physical touch to moral standing.

beyond reach

Suggests something that is unattainable or inaccessible, either physically or metaphorically.

unassailable

Implies an inability to be attacked or challenged, suggesting a position of strength and security.

off-limits

Indicates something that is prohibited or restricted, highlighting a boundary that cannot be crossed.

unreachable

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of making contact or achieving a goal.

immune to prosecution

Specifically refers to legal invulnerability, highlighting protection from legal action.

impregnable

Implies an inability to be captured or entered by force, suggesting a strong defense.

sacrosanct

Emphasizes the sacred and inviolable nature of something, suggesting it is beyond alteration or interference.

inviolable

Stresses the sanctity and protection of something, indicating it must not be violated or infringed.

FAQs

How can I use "untouchable" in a sentence?

You can use "untouchable" to describe something that cannot be physically touched, like "the exhibit was behind glass, making it "inaccessible"". It can also describe someone or something immune to criticism or harm, like "the dictator was considered "beyond reproach"".

What can I say instead of "untouchable"?

You can use alternatives like "invulnerable", "immune", or "beyond reach" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "untouchable status" or "unreachable status"?

While both phrases convey a sense of being beyond reach, "untouchable status" is more commonly used to describe a position of power or privilege that makes someone immune to criticism or consequences. "Unreachable status" typically refers to a state of being inaccessible or unavailable.

What's the difference between "untouchable" and "inaccessible"?

"Untouchable" often implies a position of power or immunity, while ""inaccessible"" simply means difficult or impossible to reach. Something can be inaccessible due to physical barriers, but untouchable implies a more entrenched form of protection or privilege.