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unbelievable

B1 Adjective #30 most common 12 min read

unbelievable

Top 30

At the A1 level, 'unbelievable' is a big word, but you can understand it as meaning 'very, very good' or 'very, very surprising.' Imagine you see a huge cake. You can say, 'The cake is unbelievable!' It means you are very happy and surprised by the cake. You don't need to worry about the literal meaning of 'not believing.' Just think of it as a way to say 'Wow!' or 'Amazing!' It is a great word to use when you want to show your friends that you are excited about something. You might hear it in simple stories or see it in advertisements for toys or food. When you use it, people will think your English is very good because it is a more advanced word than 'good' or 'big.' Just remember to use it for things that make you go 'Wow!'

For A2 learners, 'unbelievable' is a useful adjective to describe things that are outside of the normal experience. You can use it to talk about your weekend, a movie you saw, or a sports game. For example, 'The movie had an unbelievable ending.' This means the ending was very surprising and you didn't expect it. You can also use it to describe people's skills, like 'He is an unbelievable dancer.' At this level, you should start to notice that 'unbelievable' can be used for both good things (like a beautiful beach) and bad things (like a very long line at the supermarket). It is a step up from 'very' and helps you express stronger emotions in your speaking and writing. Try using it with 'That is...' or 'It was...' to make simple, clear sentences.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'unbelievable' is more than just a synonym for 'amazing.' It literally means that something is so extreme that it is difficult to accept as true. You will encounter it in news reports, social media, and more complex conversations. You should be able to use the 'It is unbelievable that...' structure to express your opinion on current events or personal experiences. For example, 'It is unbelievable that the price of coffee has gone up so much.' You should also be aware of the adverb form 'unbelievably,' which you can use to modify other adjectives, such as 'unbelievably expensive' or 'unbelievably fast.' This is the level where you start to distinguish between the literal and figurative uses of the word, and you begin to use it to express skepticism or mild frustration as well as awe.

B2 learners should be comfortable using 'unbelievable' in a variety of registers, from informal chats to more formal discussions. You should understand the nuances of tone—how the same word can mean 'I'm so impressed' or 'I'm so annoyed' depending on how it is said. You should also be able to recognize and use common collocations like 'unbelievable luck,' 'unbelievable arrogance,' or 'unbelievable coincidence.' At this level, you should be careful not to overwork the word; instead, you should start comparing it with synonyms like 'incredible,' 'extraordinary,' or 'implausible' to see which one fits your specific context best. You should also be able to use it in the middle of sentences as an attributive adjective, such as 'We faced unbelievable challenges during the project, but we succeeded anyway.'

For C1 students, 'unbelievable' is a word whose power lies in its rhetorical impact. You should understand its use in persuasive writing and high-level debate. In these contexts, 'unbelievable' can be used to discredit an opponent's argument or to highlight the unprecedented nature of a situation. You should be sensitive to the fact that 'unbelievable' can sometimes sound hyperbolic or unprofessional in academic or technical writing, and you should know when to substitute it with more precise terms like 'unsubstantiated,' 'unprecedented,' or 'highly improbable.' You should also be able to analyze the use of the word in literature or media to see how it shapes the reader's perception of reality. At this level, your use of 'unbelievable' should be deliberate and strategic, used to create a specific emotional or intellectual effect in your audience.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'unbelievable' and its place within the broader landscape of English adjectives. You understand the epistemological history of the word—how it relates to the concepts of truth, belief, and perception. You can use it with subtle irony or sarcasm to critique social norms or political statements. You are also aware of its role in different dialects and how its frequency of use varies across the English-speaking world. You can effortlessly navigate between its literal meaning (something that lacks credibility) and its various figurative meanings. In your own writing, you use 'unbelievable' sparingly but effectively, often pairing it with sophisticated syntax or using it to punctuate a particularly striking observation. You are a connoisseur of the word's many shades of meaning, from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

unbelievable in 30 Seconds

Unbelievable is a versatile adjective used to express extreme surprise, whether the situation is wonderful, shocking, or frustratingly bad.
It literally means 'not able to be believed,' but it is most commonly used figuratively to mean 'extraordinary' or 'amazing.'
The word functions as a strong intensifier in conversation, often used as a standalone exclamation to react to news.
Grammatically, it requires the adverb form 'unbelievably' when modifying other adjectives, such as in 'unbelievably beautiful.'

The word unbelievable is a powerful adjective in the English language that functions as a bridge between literal impossibility and figurative amazement. At its core, the word is constructed from three distinct parts: the prefix 'un-' (meaning not), the root 'believe,' and the suffix '-able' (meaning capable of). Therefore, the literal definition is 'not capable of being believed.' However, in modern usage, the word has evolved far beyond this clinical definition to encompass a wide range of human emotions, from profound awe to deep-seated frustration. When a person describes an event as unbelievable, they are often signaling that the event has exceeded their mental expectations or their understanding of how the world usually works. This can occur in a positive context, such as witnessing a world-record athletic performance, or in a negative context, such as hearing about a massive political scandal or a blatant lie.

Positive Amazement: Used to describe something so wonderful or impressive that it feels like a dream or a miracle. For example, 'The sunset over the Grand Canyon was unbelievable.'

The magician performed an unbelievable trick where he appeared to float above the audience.

In everyday conversation, 'unbelievable' often serves as an intensifier. It is synonymous with 'incredible,' 'extraordinary,' or 'astonishing.' However, it carries a slightly more informal weight than 'extraordinary.' People use it when they are at a loss for words, as it effectively summarizes a complex feeling of being overwhelmed by information. For instance, if a friend tells you they won the lottery, your immediate reaction might be 'That's unbelievable!' In this case, you aren't literally saying you think they are lying; rather, you are expressing that the news is so life-changing and rare that it is hard to process.

Negative Shock: Used to describe behavior that is shockingly bad, rude, or unacceptable. For example, 'It is unbelievable that he would speak to his mother that way.'

The amount of trash left behind after the festival was truly unbelievable.

Furthermore, the word is frequently used in professional settings to describe data or results that defy standard projections. A CEO might describe 'unbelievable growth' in the third quarter, or a scientist might find 'unbelievable results' in an experiment that contradicts established theories. In these contexts, the word maintains its sense of 'defying belief' but is applied to empirical evidence.

Sarcastic Usage: Often used sarcastically to point out something that is predictably bad or annoying. For example, 'Unbelievable. The bus is late for the third time this week.'

He forgot his keys again? That is just unbelievable.

Finally, understanding the nuance of 'unbelievable' requires recognizing that it is an absolute adjective in its literal sense, but a gradable one in its common usage. While something is technically either believable or not, we often say things are 'completely unbelievable' or 'totally unbelievable' to add emphasis. This flexibility makes it one of the most versatile adjectives for expressing the limits of human experience and expectation.

Using unbelievable correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as an adjective and its adverbial counterpart, 'unbelievably.' As an adjective, it typically modifies a noun or follows a linking verb like 'is,' 'seems,' or 'feels.' One of the most common ways to use it is as a predicative adjective to describe a situation or a piece of news. For example, 'The news of their engagement was unbelievable.' Here, it describes the subject 'news.' It can also be used attributively, appearing directly before the noun it modifies: 'She has an unbelievable talent for playing the piano.' In this instance, it emphasizes the extraordinary nature of her talent.

Attributive Use: Placed before the noun. Example: 'We had an unbelievable time at the party last night.'

The athlete showed unbelievable speed during the final lap of the race.

Another frequent structure involves the 'It is unbelievable that...' pattern. This is particularly useful for expressing shock or moral outrage. For example, 'It is unbelievable that the company would fire so many people without notice.' This structure allows the speaker to introduce a full clause that explains exactly what is hard to believe. It acts as a frame for the entire thought, setting a tone of disbelief from the very beginning of the sentence.

The 'It is... that' Pattern: Used to introduce a shocking fact. Example: 'It is unbelievable that she finished the marathon in under three hours.'

It is unbelievable how much technology has changed in just ten years.

In terms of collocation, 'unbelievable' often pairs with words like 'luck,' 'cruelty,' 'beauty,' 'arrogance,' and 'success.' These pairings help to specify the flavor of the disbelief. 'Unbelievable luck' is positive, while 'unbelievable cruelty' is deeply negative. When writing, it is important to ensure that the context provides enough information for the reader to understand which side of the emotional spectrum you are on.

Collocation with Nouns: Common pairs include 'unbelievable story,' 'unbelievable price,' and 'unbelievable coincidence.'

The store is offering unbelievable discounts during the holiday sale.

Finally, consider the use of 'unbelievable' in dialogue. It is one of the most common reactive tokens in English. When someone tells a story, a listener might simply say 'Unbelievable!' to show they are engaged and surprised. This usage doesn't require a subject or a verb because the context of the conversation provides all the necessary meaning. It functions as an emotive exclamation that validates the speaker's narrative as being out of the ordinary.

You will encounter the word unbelievable in a vast array of settings, ranging from high-stakes sports broadcasting to casual kitchen-table gossip. In the world of sports, it is perhaps one of the most overused yet essential words. Commentators use it to describe a last-minute goal, a miraculous catch, or an athlete's endurance. When a player does something that seems to defy the laws of physics or the limits of human capability, 'unbelievable' is the go-to descriptor. It captures the collective gasp of the crowd and translates it into language.

Sports Commentary: 'That save by the goalkeeper was absolutely unbelievable! I've never seen anything like it!'

The underdog team made an unbelievable comeback in the final minutes of the game.

In the realm of news and current events, 'unbelievable' is used to describe tragedies, political upheavals, and scientific breakthroughs. A news anchor might report on an 'unbelievable act of heroism' during a natural disaster, or a journalist might describe the 'unbelievable scale' of a humanitarian crisis. In these cases, the word serves to emphasize the magnitude of the event, suggesting that it is so large or significant that it is difficult for the public to fully comprehend.

News Reporting: 'The survivors told unbelievable stories of their escape from the burning building.'

The scientific community is buzzing over the unbelievable discovery of water on a distant planet.

In casual, everyday conversation, the word is a staple of social interaction. It is used to share gossip ('Did you hear what she said? It’s unbelievable!'), to complain about service ('The wait time at that restaurant was unbelievable'), or to express admiration for a friend's achievement ('You finished the whole project in one day? Unbelievable!'). It acts as a social lubricant, showing that you are paying attention and that you share the speaker's emotional state.

Everyday Gossip: 'I just saw the price of those shoes. It's unbelievable how expensive things have become.'

It's unbelievable that we haven't seen each other in five years!

Finally, you will find 'unbelievable' in marketing and advertising. Brands use it to describe their products' performance, prices, or benefits. 'Unbelievable savings,' 'unbelievable comfort,' and 'unbelievable results' are common slogans designed to create a sense of urgency and excitement. While consumers often take these claims with a grain of salt, the word remains a powerful tool for capturing interest by promising something that goes beyond the ordinary.

Despite its frequency, the word unbelievable is often the subject of several common mistakes, ranging from spelling errors to subtle semantic misuses. The most frequent error is spelling. Many learners (and even native speakers) struggle with the 'ie' vs 'ei' rule. Remember the classic mnemonic: 'i before e, except after c.' Since 'unbelievable' comes from 'believe,' which has an 'l' before the 'ie,' the 'i' comes first. Another common spelling mistake is forgetting the 'e' before the '-able' suffix. It is 'unbelievable,' not 'unbelievvable' or 'unbelievabel.'

Spelling Error: Incorrect: 'unbeleivable' or 'unbelievabel'. Correct: 'unbelievable'.

She made an unbelievable (correct spelling) mistake on her application.

Another mistake involves the confusion between 'unbelievable' and 'disbelieving.' 'Unbelievable' describes the thing or event that is hard to believe (e.g., 'an unbelievable story'). 'Disbelieving' describes the person who does not believe (e.g., 'He gave her a disbelieving look'). Using 'unbelievable' to describe a person's state of mind is grammatically incorrect. You wouldn't say 'I am unbelievable that you did that' when you mean 'I can't believe you did that.'

Semantic Confusion: Confusing the object (unbelievable) with the subject's feeling (disbelieving/skeptical).

He looked at the winning lottery ticket with a disbelieving (not unbelievable) expression.

Overuse is also a significant issue. Because 'unbelievable' is such a versatile and high-energy word, it can lose its impact if used too frequently. If every meal, every movie, and every conversation is 'unbelievable,' the word becomes a 'filler' word rather than a meaningful adjective. In professional writing, this can make the author seem hyperbolic or lacking in vocabulary. It is often better to use more specific adjectives like 'stunning,' 'implausible,' 'ridiculous,' or 'remarkable.'

Hyperbole Fatigue: Using the word so often that it no longer conveys true surprise.

Instead of saying 'The food was unbelievable,' try 'The food was exceptionally flavorful.'

Finally, there is the grammatical error of using 'unbelievable' as an adverb. As mentioned previously, 'unbelievably' is the correct form when modifying an adjective or another adverb. Phrases like 'He is unbelievable fast' are common in some dialects but are considered incorrect in standard English. The correct phrasing is 'He is unbelievably fast.' Ensuring you use the correct part of speech is crucial for maintaining clarity and professionalism in your communication.

While unbelievable is a fantastic all-purpose word, English offers many alternatives that can provide more precision depending on the context. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation. For example, 'incredible' is the most common synonym, but it leans more heavily toward the positive. While you can have an 'unbelievable tragedy,' calling a tragedy 'incredible' might sound slightly odd or even insensitive in certain contexts, as 'incredible' often carries a connotation of 'great' or 'wonderful.'

Unbelievable vs. Incredible: 'Unbelievable' is more neutral and can be used for both good and bad things. 'Incredible' is usually positive.

The view from the penthouse was incredible.

If you want to emphasize that something is so strange it seems like a story, you might use 'fabulous' (in its original sense of 'like a fable') or 'legendary.' If you are talking about something that is logically impossible to believe, 'implausible' or 'inconceivable' are better choices. 'Inconceivable' suggests that the mind cannot even form a concept of the thing happening. This was famously used (and misused) in the movie *The Princess Bride* to describe events that were clearly happening, which added a layer of comedic irony to the word.

Unbelievable vs. Inconceivable: 'Inconceivable' is stronger and suggests something is beyond the limits of thought or imagination.

It is inconceivable that a modern city could run out of water.

For negative situations where something is so bad it's hard to believe, 'outrageous' or 'preposterous' are excellent alternatives. 'Outrageous' implies that something violates standards of decency or fairness, while 'preposterous' suggests that something is utterly ridiculous or contrary to common sense. Using these words instead of 'unbelievable' can help you express a more specific type of disbelief—one rooted in moral judgment or logical dismissal.

Negative Alternatives: 'Outrageous' (offensive/shocking), 'Preposterous' (absurd), 'Absurd' (illogical).

The suggestion that we should work for free is simply preposterous.

Finally, consider 'extraordinary' or 'remarkable' for professional contexts. These words suggest that something is 'out of the ordinary' or 'worthy of remark' without the informal or hyperbolic baggage that 'unbelievable' sometimes carries. By expanding your repertoire of synonyms, you can describe the world with much greater nuance and impact, ensuring that your listener or reader understands exactly why you are so surprised.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'believe' comes from the Proto-Germanic 'laubjan,' which is related to the word 'love.' To believe something originally meant to hold it dear or to trust it.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌʌnbɪˈliːvəbl̩/

US /ˌʌnbɪˈlivəbl̩/

un-be-LIEV-a-ble

Rhymes With

achievable conceivable retrievable relievable receivable perceivable deceivable grieveable

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (UN-believable).
Pronouncing the 'ie' as 'eye' instead of 'ee'.
Missing the 'v' sound in the middle.
Pronouncing the ending as 'abel' instead of 'ub-l'.
Adding an extra syllable (un-be-lie-ve-a-ble).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize due to its common root 'believe'.

Writing 4/5

Spelling (ie vs ei) and the 'e' before 'able' can be tricky.

Speaking 2/5

Very natural to use in conversation as an exclamation.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced and often stressed, making it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

believe able surprise good bad

Learn Next

incredible extraordinary implausible astonishing remarkable

Advanced

epistemology credibility skepticism audacity unprecedented

Grammar to Know

Adjective to Adverb formation

unbelievable -> unbelievably

I before E except after C

believe (not beleive)

Suffix -able vs -ible

unbelievable (not unbelievible)

Negative prefix 'un-'

unhappy, unbelievable, unkind

Predicative vs Attributive adjectives

The news was unbelievable (Predicative). An unbelievable story (Attributive).

Examples by Level

The big cake was unbelievable!

Le gros gâteau était incroyable !

Simple subject + linking verb + adjective.

He has an unbelievable dog.

Il a un chien incroyable.

Attributive adjective before the noun.

The sun is unbelievable today.

Le soleil est incroyable aujourd'hui.

Used to describe weather.

That car is unbelievable!

Cette voiture est incroyable !

Exclamatory use.

Your house is unbelievable.

Ta maison est incroyable.

Used for giving a compliment.

The food is unbelievable.

La nourriture est incroyable.

Commonly used for food.

She is an unbelievable singer.

C'est une chanteuse incroyable.

Describing a person's skill.

It was an unbelievable day.

C'était une journée incroyable.

Describing an experience.

The movie had an unbelievable ending.

Le film avait une fin incroyable.

Describing a plot twist.

It's unbelievable that you are here!

C'est incroyable que tu sois là !

Using 'It's... that' structure.

We saw an unbelievable mountain.

Nous avons vu une montagne incroyable.

Describing nature.

The price of this phone is unbelievable.

Le prix de ce téléphone est incroyable.

Describing cost (cheap or expensive).

He told an unbelievable story about a ghost.

Il a raconté une histoire incroyable à propos d'un fantôme.

Describing a narrative.

The weather was unbelievable last week.

Le temps était incroyable la semaine dernière.

Past tense usage.

She has unbelievable energy.

Elle a une énergie incroyable.

Describing a personal quality.

That is an unbelievable goal!

C'est un but incroyable !

Sports context.

It is unbelievable how much the city has changed.

C'est incroyable à quel point la ville a changé.

Using 'how much' clause.

The athlete's performance was truly unbelievable.

La performance de l'athlète était vraiment incroyable.

Using 'truly' as an intensifier.

I find it unbelievable that he forgot our anniversary.

Je trouve incroyable qu'il ait oublié notre anniversaire.

Using 'I find it... that' structure.

They offered me an unbelievable job opportunity.

Ils m'ont offert une opportunité d'emploi incroyable.

Describing a professional situation.

The amount of traffic today is unbelievable.

La quantité de trafic aujourd'hui est incroyable.

Expressing frustration.

She showed unbelievable courage during the crisis.

Elle a fait preuve d'un courage incroyable pendant la crise.

Describing an abstract quality (courage).

The view from the top was unbelievable.

La vue depuis le sommet était incroyable.

Standard predicative use.

It's unbelievable that we missed the flight by one minute.

C'est incroyable que nous ayons raté le vol d'une minute.

Expressing shock at bad luck.

The company’s growth over the last year has been unbelievable.

La croissance de l'entreprise au cours de l'année écoulée a été incroyable.

Business context.

It is unbelievable that such a simple mistake caused the crash.

Il est incroyable qu'une erreur aussi simple ait causé l'accident.

Analyzing cause and effect.

He has an unbelievable knack for finding lost items.

Il a un talent incroyable pour retrouver les objets perdus.

Using the word 'knack'.

The arrogance of that politician is unbelievable.

L'arrogance de ce politicien est incroyable.

Expressing a negative judgment.

We had unbelievable luck with the weather during our trip.

Nous avons eu une chance incroyable avec le temps pendant notre voyage.

Collocation: 'unbelievable luck'.

The sheer scale of the project is unbelievable.

L'ampleur même du projet est incroyable.

Using 'sheer scale'.

It's unbelievable that they still haven't fixed the problem.

C'est incroyable qu'ils n'aient toujours pas résolu le problème.

Expressing ongoing frustration.

She gave an unbelievable performance in her first movie.

Elle a donné une performance incroyable dans son premier film.

Arts/Entertainment context.

The witness provided an unbelievable account of the events.

Le témoin a fourni un récit incroyable des événements.

Suggesting the account might not be true (literal meaning).

It is unbelievable that in this day and age, such inequality exists.

Il est incroyable qu'à notre époque, une telle inégalité existe.

Social critique.

The speed of technological advancement is truly unbelievable.

La rapidité des progrès technologiques est vraiment incroyable.

Reflecting on societal change.

His claim that he could finish the work in an hour was unbelievable.

Sa prétention de pouvoir finir le travail en une heure était incroyable.

Suggesting lack of credibility.

The unbelievable complexity of the human brain fascinates scientists.

La complexité incroyable du cerveau humain fascine les scientifiques.

Scientific context.

It is unbelievable how quickly the situation escalated.

C'est incroyable à quel point la situation a dégénéré rapidement.

Describing a rapid change.

The film explores the unbelievable cruelty of war.

Le film explore la cruauté incroyable de la guerre.

Deep emotional/thematic usage.

They achieved unbelievable success despite the odds.

Ils ont obtenu un succès incroyable malgré les obstacles.

Describing triumph over adversity.

The protagonist's journey is marked by unbelievable coincidences.

Le voyage du protagoniste est marqué par des coïncidences incroyables.

Literary analysis.

It is unbelievable that such a sophisticated theory could be so flawed.

Il est incroyable qu'une théorie aussi sophistiquée puisse être aussi défectueuse.

Intellectual critique.

The orator spoke with unbelievable passion and conviction.

L'orateur a parlé avec une passion et une conviction incroyables.

Describing rhetorical style.

The sheer audacity of the heist was unbelievable.

L'audace pure du casse était incroyable.

Using 'sheer audacity'.

We are living through an unbelievable period of historical transition.

Nous vivons une période incroyable de transition historique.

Macro-perspective.

The unbelievable resilience of the human spirit is a recurring theme.

La résilience incroyable de l'esprit humain est un thème récurrent.

Philosophical usage.

It is unbelievable that the treaty was signed under such duress.

Il est incroyable que le traité ait été signé sous une telle contrainte.

Historical/Political context.

The artist's ability to capture light is simply unbelievable.

La capacité de l'artiste à capturer la lumière est tout simplement incroyable.

Aesthetic appreciation.

Common Collocations

Unbelievable luck

Unbelievable beauty

Unbelievable cruelty

Unbelievable success

Unbelievable coincidence

Unbelievable price

Unbelievable story

Unbelievable talent

Unbelievable arrogance

Unbelievable amount

Common Phrases

That's unbelievable!

It's unbelievable that...

Simply unbelievable

Truly unbelievable

Almost unbelievable

Beyond unbelievable

Unbelievable but true

Find it unbelievable

Unbelievable as it may seem

What an unbelievable...

Often Confused With

unbelievable vs Incredible

Incredible is usually positive; unbelievable can be positive or negative.

unbelievable vs Disbelieving

Disbelieving describes the person; unbelievable describes the thing.

unbelievable vs Implausible

Implausible is more formal and specifically means 'unlikely to be true'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Believe it or not"

Used to introduce a surprising fact. While not using the word 'unbelievable,' it shares the same root and concept.

Believe it or not, I used to be a professional clown.

Informal

"Too good to be true"

Describes something so positive that it seems unbelievable or likely to be a trick.

The job offer seemed too good to be true.

Neutral

"Beyond belief"

Used to say that something is so extreme it cannot be believed. A direct synonym for unbelievable.

The cruelty of the crime was beyond belief.

Neutral

"Hard to swallow"

Describes a story or excuse that is difficult to believe.

His explanation for the missing money was hard to swallow.

Informal

"Stretch the truth"

To exaggerate something so much that it becomes almost unbelievable.

He tends to stretch the truth when talking about his salary.

Informal

"Out of this world"

Used to describe something (usually positive) that is unbelievably good.

The chocolate cake was out of this world.

Informal

"Words fail me"

Used when something is so unbelievable (good or bad) that you don't know what to say.

Words fail me when I see how much they've destroyed the park.

Neutral

"A likely story"

A sarcastic way to say that something is unbelievable and you think it is a lie.

You forgot your homework because a dog ate it? A likely story!

Informal

"Mind-boggling"

Used for something so complex or large that it is unbelievable and hard to think about.

The size of the universe is mind-boggling.

Informal

"In for a shock"

Used when someone is about to find out something unbelievable.

If he thinks the test is easy, he's in for a shock.

Neutral

Easily Confused

unbelievable vs Incredible

They are often used as synonyms.

Incredible usually implies 'great,' while unbelievable can imply 'shockingly bad.'

An incredible meal (good) vs. an unbelievable mess (bad).

unbelievable vs Disbelieving

They share the same root.

Disbelieving is how a person feels; unbelievable is how a thing is.

He had a disbelieving look (person) at the unbelievable news (thing).

unbelievable vs Unbelieving

Very similar spelling.

Unbelieving usually refers to a lack of religious faith or a general state of doubt.

He remained unbelieving despite the evidence.

unbelievable vs Inconceivable

Both mean 'hard to believe.'

Inconceivable means you cannot even imagine it happening; it's stronger than unbelievable.

It is inconceivable that the sun would not rise.

unbelievable vs Plausible

It is the logical opposite.

Plausible means it could be true; unbelievable means it likely isn't.

A plausible excuse vs. an unbelievable lie.

Sentence Patterns

The [noun] is unbelievable.

The cake is unbelievable.

That is an unbelievable [noun]!

That is an unbelievable car!

It is unbelievable that [clause].

It is unbelievable that he is late again.

It is unbelievable how [adjective] [noun] is.

It is unbelievable how hot the water is.

[Noun] was unbelievably [adjective].

The test was unbelievably difficult.

I find it unbelievable that [clause].

I find it unbelievable that she said that.

The [noun] of [noun] is unbelievable.

The scale of the disaster is unbelievable.

[Clause], which is simply unbelievable.

He lied to the judge, which is simply unbelievable.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in spoken English; High in journalism; Moderate in academic writing.

Common Mistakes

unbeleivable → unbelievable
The 'i' must come before the 'e' as in the word 'believe'.
unbelievabel → unbelievable
The suffix is '-able', not '-abel'.
unbelievable hot → unbelievably hot
You must use the adverb form to modify an adjective.
I am unbelievable that... → I find it unbelievable that...
'Unbelievable' describes the situation, not your personal feeling.
an unbelievable look → a disbelieving look
Use 'disbelieving' to describe a person's expression of doubt.

Tips

The 'IE' Rule

Always remember 'i before e' because 'unbelievable' comes from 'believe.' If you write 'ei,' it is wrong.

Adverb Form

When you want to describe how 'hot' or 'fast' something is, use 'unbelievably.' Don't say 'unbelievable hot.'

Tone Matters

Your voice tells the listener if you are happy or angry. A high pitch is for 'Wow!', a low pitch is for 'Oh no.'

Avoid Overuse

If everything is unbelievable, nothing is. Try to use other words like 'great' or 'surprising' sometimes.

Sports Context

This is a favorite word for sports fans. Use it when someone scores a great goal or makes a big mistake.

It is... that

Use the pattern 'It is unbelievable that...' to start a sentence about a shocking fact. It sounds very natural.

Standalone Use

When listening, you might just hear 'Unbelievable!' on its own. This is a reaction to what was just said.

The 'LIE' trick

There is a 'LIE' in the middle of unbeLIEvable. Lies are hard to believe!

Negative shock

Don't forget you can use it for bad things. 'The price of this milk is unbelievable!' works perfectly.

Precision

In science, use 'highly improbable' instead of 'unbelievable' to sound more professional.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember the word 'LIE' in the middle of 'unbeLIEvable.' If someone tells a LIE, it is unbelievable! Also, remember the 'i before e' rule for 'believe.'

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in front of a giant, 10-story tall ice cream cone. Their mouth is wide open in shock. That is 'unbelievable.'

Word Web

Surprise Shock Awe Lies Miracles Sports News Gossip

Challenge

Try to use 'unbelievable' in three different ways today: once for something good, once for something bad, and once as a standalone exclamation.

Word Origin

The word is formed from the Old English 'un-' (not) + 'belīefan' (to believe) + the Latin-derived suffix '-able' (capable of). It first appeared in Middle English in the 14th century.

Original meaning: Literally 'that which cannot be believed' or 'not worthy of belief.'

Germanic root (believe) with a Latinate suffix (-able).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'unbelievable' to describe someone's personal tragedy, as it might sound like you don't believe them. In such cases, 'I'm so sorry, that's shocking' is better.

Americans use it more often for positive reinforcement; British speakers may use it more often for expressing skepticism or annoyance.

The song 'Unbelievable' by the band EMF (1990). The catchphrase 'Inconceivable!' from The Princess Bride (a synonym). The Netflix series 'Unbelievable' (2019) about a true crime story.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports

Unbelievable goal!
Unbelievable save!
An unbelievable comeback.
Unbelievable athleticism.

Shopping

Unbelievable prices!
An unbelievable deal.
Unbelievable savings.
Unbelievable quality.

Socializing

That's unbelievable!
You won't believe this.
It's unbelievable, right?
Simply unbelievable.

Work

Unbelievable growth.
An unbelievable mistake.
Unbelievable workload.
Unbelievable results.

Nature

Unbelievable view.
Unbelievable weather.
Unbelievable scenery.
Unbelievable sunset.

Conversation Starters

"Have you seen anything unbelievable lately?"

"What is the most unbelievable story you have ever heard?"

"Do you think it's unbelievable how much technology has changed?"

"Is there a movie with an unbelievable ending that you love?"

"Have you ever had unbelievable luck in a difficult situation?"

Journal Prompts

Describe an unbelievable experience you had while traveling.

Write about a time you saw someone do something unbelievable.

Is it unbelievable that people still argue about certain topics today? Why?

If you could have one unbelievable talent, what would it be and why?

Reflect on a piece of news that you found truly unbelievable this week.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both! It depends on the context. If you say 'The view is unbelievable,' it's positive. If you say 'His rudeness is unbelievable,' it's negative.

It is spelled U-N-B-E-L-I-E-V-A-B-L-E. Remember 'i before e' and the 'e' before '-able'.

Yes, but use it sparingly. In very formal academic writing, words like 'extraordinary,' 'unprecedented,' or 'implausible' are often preferred.

'Incredible' is almost always positive. 'Unbelievable' is more neutral and can describe anything that is shocking, good or bad.

Yes, it is the adverb form. You use it to modify adjectives, like 'unbelievably fast' or 'unbelievably expensive'.

Yes, you can say 'He is an unbelievable person,' meaning he is extraordinary. However, it usually describes their actions or skills.

It is an emphatic way of saying 'unbelievable.' The word 'simply' adds more force to the statement.

Yes, it is extremely common in everyday English, especially in spoken conversation and news media.

Common synonyms include incredible, astonishing, astounding, extraordinary, and implausible.

You use it when something bad happens that you expected but are still annoyed by. For example, 'The bus is late again. Unbelievable.'