What does incommunicably mean?
Incommunicably is an adverb meaning “in a way that cannot be communicated.” It is commonly used to describe emotions, experiences, relationships, or qualities that are so deep, personal, subtle, or overwhelming that language seems inadequate. For example, someone might describe a bond as incommunicably intimate or an atmosphere as incommunicably strange. The word is more literary and expressive than everyday alternatives such as “incommunicably” is not formally replaced by a single simpler term, although “inexpressibly” or “indescribably” can provide similar effects. Its strength lies in suggesting that the subject exceeds the reach of words rather than merely being difficult to explain.
adverbIn a manner that cannot be communicated or conveyed to others. It describes feelings, experiences, or qualities that are too deep, subtle, or profound for words.
- In a way that cannot be communicated, conveyed, or put into words.
"Her grief was incommunicably personal, and she struggled to explain it to anyone else."
"The couple shared an incommunicably intimate bond that outsiders found difficult to understand."
"The landscape had an incommunicably vast and mysterious quality."
Some feelings are so profound that words can only point toward them, never carry them across.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does incommunicably come from?
The word derives from the Latin root communis, meaning “common” or “shared,” through communicare, “to share,” and its English derivative incommunicable, meaning “not able to be communicated.” The suffix -ably formed the adverb incommunicably in the 19th century. The family is cognate with communicate, communication, communicable, and common, all of which share the idea of sharing or making something accessible to others.
Related word forms
How incommunicably is actually used
This word is literary and relatively uncommon. It is more often used in expressive or poetic prose than in ordinary conversation, and its meaning can overlap with 'inexpressibly' or 'indescribably'.