untraceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "untraceable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be tracked or traced, often in contexts related to anonymity or security. Example: "The hacker used untraceable methods to cover their tracks, making it difficult for authorities to identify them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Assange calls the site "an uncensorable system for untraceable mass document leaking and public analysis," and a government or company that wanted to remove content from WikiLeaks would have to practically dismantle the Internet itself.

The Economist

In between these outbreaks, it is untraceable, hiding deep in the jungle.

The Guardian

While some of the files were indeed untraceable artefacts from random denizens of the internet, the vast majority of pirated MP3s came from just a few organised releasing groups.

The Guardian - Books

Yet the campaign continues, with funding for climate change deniers often funneled through third party foundations as untraceable "dark money".

The Guardian - Opinion

As the virus conquered west Africa unchecked, more untraceable emigrants would carry it inside their bodies.

The Economist

They use untraceable e-mails to bring down computer systems.

The Economist

But the untraceable shell also happens to be the vehicle of choice for money launderers, bribe givers and takers, sanctions busters, tax evaders and financiers of terrorism.

The Economist

Or, according to yet another explanation, to damage Mr Putin's reputation and Russian-Western relations perhaps beyond repair.Alternatively, whoever chose it may have thought that the exotic radiation involved would have been untraceable, and would leave the police bamboozled, as might have happened had it been deployed in Russia.

The Economist

Russians are masters of the complicated corporate structure and untraceable beneficiary holdings.

The Economist

For another problem with Mr Maroni's scheme is that many immigrants cannot be sent home, either because their nationality is untraceable or because Italy does not have a repatriation deal with their countries.

The Economist

Having found a network, he could then use it to send untraceable e-mails from his car.The investigators used clinical psychologists to create a profile of the person behind the extortion attempts, and found that the home owners from whose networks the messages had originated did not match the profile.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing digital activities, use "untraceable" to emphasize anonymity and security. For example, "The activist used an untraceable email service to protect their identity."

Common error

Avoid using "untraceable" to describe physical objects that are simply lost. "Untraceable" implies a deliberate effort to conceal or obscure, not mere misplacement. For example, instead of saying "The lost keys were untraceable", say "The lost keys were nowhere to be found".

Linguistic Context

The word "untraceable" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that cannot be traced or tracked. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is correctly used to indicate the impossibility of following something back to its source. Examples show its application in describing funds, emails, and even physical objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "untraceable" is a versatile adjective denoting the impossibility of tracking something back to its origin. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread usability. Its frequent appearance in News & Media highlights its relevance in discussions about anonymity, security, and obscured activities. While related to terms like "anonymous" or "undetectable", "untraceable" uniquely emphasizes the inability to follow a path or discover a source. When writing, be mindful of its precise meaning and avoid misapplications in physical contexts. The best practice is to use this word in the appropriate digital and virtual context for the most relevant meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impossible to track

Emphasizes the inability to follow the path or movements of something.

undetectable

Focuses on the inability to perceive or discover something's presence.

unfindable

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of locating something.

impossible to trace

Directly addresses the inability to follow a path back to an origin.

without a trace

Indicates the complete absence of evidence or clues.

vanished without a trace

Suggests a disappearance leaving no indication of where someone or something went.

hidden from detection

Focuses on concealing something to avoid being found.

concealed

Highlights that something is deliberately kept secret.

anonymous

Emphasizes the lack of identifiable information.

lost

Suggests something is misplaced or cannot be recovered.

FAQs

How can I use "untraceable" in a sentence?

You can use "untraceable" to describe something that cannot be tracked or found. For example, "The funds were transferred through a series of "untraceable accounts"".

What can I say instead of "untraceable"?

Alternatives include "undetectable", "impossible to trace", or "anonymous", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "untraceable" versus "anonymous"?

"Untraceable" suggests that something's origin or path cannot be followed, while "anonymous" means the source is unknown or unrevealed. For instance, an untraceable payment method might obscure the sender's identity, rendering the transaction anonymous.

What is the difference between "untraceable" and "hidden"?

"Hidden" implies something is concealed but potentially discoverable, while "untraceable" indicates it is inherently difficult or impossible to follow its path or origin. A hidden object might be found, but an untraceable transaction is designed to remain that way.