Unspeakable vs Unmentionable: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
Unspeakable refers to things too horrific to be articulated. Unmentionable implies things that are merely too embarrassing or improper to discuss.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does Unspeakable mean?
adjective · /ʌnˈspiː.kə.bəl/
Not able to be expressed in words — either because it exceeds the capacity of language (horror, transcendence) or because social convention forbids its articulation. The unspeakable is where language reaches its edge.
Explore UnspeakableUnspeakable in a sentence
The grief was unspeakable. She tried for weeks to find words for it. She found only approximations.
Unspeakable can apply to horror or ecstasy — both exceed ordinary language.
What does Unmentionable mean?
adjective / noun · /ʌnˈmɛn.ʃən.ə.bəl/
Too embarrassing, offensive, or shocking to be mentioned directly — requiring circumlocution, euphemism, or silence. In the 19th century, 'unmentionables' was a Victorian euphemism for underwear.
Explore UnmentionableUnmentionable in a sentence
The Victorians called trousers 'unmentionables', which tells you everything about their relationship with the body.
She changed the subject whenever the unmentionable topic came up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Unspeakable and Unmentionable?
Unspeakable refers to things too horrific to be articulated. Unmentionable implies things that are merely too embarrassing or improper to discuss.
What does Unspeakable mean?
Not able to be expressed in words — either because it exceeds the capacity of language (horror, transcendence) or because social convention forbids its articulation. The unspeakable is where language reaches its edge.
What does Unmentionable mean?
Too embarrassing, offensive, or shocking to be mentioned directly — requiring circumlocution, euphemism, or silence. In the 19th century, 'unmentionables' was a Victorian euphemism for underwear.