Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| innommable | /i.nɔ.mabl/ |
| inqualifiable | /ɛ̃.ka.li.fjabl/ |
The adjective is used to describe something that is extremely bad.
What does it mean word for word?
The word innommable is composed of the prefix in- (not), the verb nommer (to name) and the suffix -able (capable of), literally meaning 'that which cannot be named'.
Which one should you use?
While both innommable and inqualifiable can mean 'unspeakable' when describing something extremely bad, innommable often carries a more poetic or profound sense of horror or greatness that defies description. In contrast, inqualifiable is more commonly used in a colloquial sense to describe a person behaving in an extremely rude, vulgar or objectionable manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the adjective innommable plural, you add an s to the end to form innommables.
How do you pronounce it?
innommable is pronounced /i.nɔ.mabl/ and consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- While innommable means 'unspeakable' in a negative sense, French uses the word indicible to describe 'unspeakable' beauty or joy that is too overwhelming for words.
- Samuel Beckett wrote a famous 1953 novel titled L'Innommable, featuring a narrator who is a creature that cannot even be named.
- The word inqualifiable is often used as a standalone exclamation of disgust when someone does something rude, functioning almost like an interjection.
Examples in context
- Il a commis un crime innommable.He committed an unspeakable crime.
- Cette situation est tout simplement innommable.This situation is simply unspeakable.
- Leur comportement était innommable.Their behavior was unspeakable.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a recent news report about a disaster.
- ChloéTu as vu les nouvelles de ce matin ?Did you see the news this morning?
- GabrielOui, c'est un drame innommable.Yes, it is an unspeakable tragedy.
- ChloéJe n'arrive pas à y croire.I can't believe it.
- GabrielC'est vraiment tragique pour eux.It is truly tragic for them.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unspeakable” translations and entries innommable, inqualifiable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
