untouchable subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "untouchable subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic that is considered too sensitive or controversial to be discussed openly. Example: "In many cultures, discussing politics can be an untouchable subject that leads to heated arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Through her moral balance and literary expertise, an untouchable subject becomes comprehensible, at times even funny: the correspondence between Father Rog and his beleaguered friend Bishop Pip outdoes Muriel Spark and Evelyn Waugh in high Catholic comedy, yet has no touch of malice or frivolity.

The Guardian - Books

Last week he placed a sorely needed spotlight on the seemingly "untouchable" subject of human trafficking, bringing 100 experts in the field together to discuss actionable recommendations to tackle what the Vatican study group declared to be a crime against humanity that should be recognized as such and punished by international or regional courts.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

An equal?" One of the untouchable subjects of slave times is that cross-racial comprehension was often found in such apparently improbable circumstances.

The New York Times - Books

Until the adoption of the new constitutions in independent India and Pakistan, the untouchables were subjected to many social restrictions, which increased in severity from north to south in India.

Britannica

This endemic circle must be broken and this is only possible when the "mighty" and the "untouchables" are subjected to the law.

Huffington Post

I imagined myself untouchable, free, not subject to other people's opinions or my own sensitivity.

Vice

The veil of secrecy is lifting, as reports appear about the history of the mines and the diseases of those who toiled there, subjects that were untouchable not long ago.

The New York Times

(Caijing, as the article notes, has not broken new ground on Xinjiang, a subject that is politically untouchable).

The New Yorker

Rape, stalking, incest, paedophilia: no subject is for him untouchable, or, apparently, for the big name actors who seemingly line up to star in them.

The Guardian - Film

Although many state governments have achieved successful criminal justice reforms in the last year, including Texas, New York, Mississippi, Michigan and New Jersey, the subject appears to be untouchable by the mainstream candidates now that election season is here.

Huffington Post

Throughout Vice's half-hour video, several fellow professionals said they were excited about the prospect of him coming out because his untouchable career and lofty status made him an ideal subject to erase whatever bigotry remains in the sport.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "untouchable subject" when you want to emphasize that a topic is considered too sensitive or controversial to be discussed openly. Consider the audience and context to ensure appropriateness.

Common error

Avoid using "untouchable subject" in situations where the topic is simply difficult or complex, rather than genuinely taboo or sensitive. Choose a more neutral term like "challenging issue" or "complicated matter" if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "untouchable subject" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It identifies a topic as being off-limits or extremely sensitive, often due to social, political, or ethical considerations. Ludwig AI examples show it used to describe issues once considered too sensitive to discuss.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "untouchable subject" denotes a topic considered too sensitive or taboo for open discussion. Grammatically correct and primarily found in News & Media contexts, it serves to highlight the controversial nature of an issue. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, alternative phrases like "taboo subject" or "sensitive topic" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the audience and avoid overuse in situations where the topic is merely complex rather than genuinely taboo.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taboo subject

Replaces "untouchable" with "taboo", emphasizing the prohibition or social stigma associated with the topic.

sensitive topic

Substitutes "untouchable" with "sensitive", highlighting the delicacy and potential for causing offense or distress when discussing the subject.

forbidden topic

Replaces "untouchable" with "forbidden", stressing the explicit or implicit ban on discussing the subject.

undiscussable subject

Emphasizes the inability or unwillingness to discuss the topic openly.

controversial issue

Highlights the divisive nature of the topic and the likelihood of disagreement or conflict.

delicate matter

Focuses on the need for careful handling and discretion when addressing the subject.

contentious issue

Stresses the likelihood of argument and debate surrounding the topic.

prohibited subject

Similar to "forbidden topic", emphasizing the explicit or implicit ban on discussing the subject, with a more formal tone.

unspeakable topic

Highlights the difficulty or unwillingness to speak about the subject due to its sensitive or traumatic nature.

off-limits subject

Emphasizes that the topic is not allowed or permitted for discussion.

FAQs

What does "untouchable subject" mean?

An "untouchable subject" refers to a topic that is considered too sensitive, controversial, or taboo to be discussed openly or easily. It often involves issues that are deeply ingrained in social norms, personal beliefs, or historical events.

How can I use "untouchable subject" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a topic that people avoid discussing, for example: "Child abuse within the church was once considered an "untouchable subject"."

What are some alternative phrases for "untouchable subject"?

Alternatives include "taboo subject", "sensitive topic", or "forbidden topic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "untouchable subject"?

It's best to avoid this phrase when the topic is simply complex or difficult, rather than genuinely taboo or socially restricted. Using it inappropriately can exaggerate the sensitivity and create unnecessary barriers to communication. Consider using terms like "challenging issue" or "complex problem" instead.