unanswerable — impossible to answer or reply to; not able to be refuted
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: impossible to answer or reply to; not able to be refuted
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈænsərəbl/
Example Sentences
- The teacher's pop quiz contained three unanswerable questions that made everyone panic.
- His argument was so logical and well-researched that it seemed unanswerable.
- The mystery of why socks disappear in the washing machine remains unanswerable.
unanswerable
ADJECTIVE[/ʌnˈænsərəbl/]
impossible to answer or reply to; not able to be refuted
Impossible question to answer
The key is transferable, but the riddle remains unanswerable!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Formed in the 14th century, 'unanswerable' combines the negation prefix 'un-' with 'answer' (from Old English 'andswarian', meaning 'to reply') and the adjectival suffix '-able'. The word expresses the condition of a question or problem that cannot be adequately addressed or resolved.
Breakdown
un- (not) + answer (to reply, from Old English 'andswarian') + -able (capable of, susceptible to). The compound construction creates an adjective denoting incapability of being answered.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher's pop quiz contained three unanswerable questions that made everyone panic.”
“His argument was so logical and well-researched that it seemed unanswerable.”
“The mystery of why socks disappear in the washing machine remains unanswerable.”
“Philosophers have debated this unanswerable question for centuries.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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