What does untouchable mean?
Untouchable is most often used as an adjective for something beyond ordinary reach, influence, or control. It can describe a person or institution that cannot realistically be challenged, a rule that is inviolable, or a subject that is considered too sensitive to handle. In its older physical sense, it means impossible or forbidden to touch. The noun also has an important historical use in South Asia: it referred to people treated as outside the traditional caste order and subjected to severe discrimination. Because that use records a real history of exclusion, it is generally offensive when applied to a person today; Dalit is the preferred self-description in India. Outside that historical context, the noun can also mean a social outcast or someone who is deliberately excluded. The word therefore combines a familiar modern metaphor—something beyond reach—with a sharply sensitive historical reference. Used figuratively, it is especially effective in political and social commentary, where it suggests that a person or issue has been made immune to criticism or negotiation.
Beyond ordinary reach, influence, control, or criticism; also, unable or forbidden to be touched physically.
"The institution remained legally untouchable throughout the reforms."
The figurative use is common in formal and political contexts and can imply powerful or protected status.
A person historically regarded as outside the traditional caste order in South Asia.
"The archive documents the discrimination once faced by untouchables."
This historical term is offensive in modern usage when used directly to refer to a person; Dalit is generally preferred outside a discussion of the historical term.
Used chiefly when referring to the historical South Asian category or quoting historical language; it is considered offensive in direct modern use, with Dalit generally preferred.
"The oral histories describe the discrimination experienced by untouchables."
The word “untouchable” is inseparable from South Asian caste history, where it long denoted people treated as ritually polluting and subjected to discrimination.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does untouchable come from?
Untouchable was formed in English by adding the negative prefix un- to touchable, which is derived from touch. Touch comes through Old French toucher from Latin tangere, meaning “to touch,” the same root found in tactile and tangible. In South Asia, the English term became a colonial label for people treated as outside the caste order; today, Dalit is generally preferred when referring to those communities.
Related word forms
How untouchable is actually used
The adjective is usually formal and often suggests power, immunity to criticism, or deliberate exclusion. The historical noun is considered offensive when applied to a person today except when discussing caste discrimination or quoting historical language.
Easily confused with untouchable
An untouchable is beyond ordinary reach or influence, whereas an untenable position cannot be maintained or defended.