What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fathomless
Example
The fathomless depths of the ocean are still largely unexplored. [fathomless: adjective]
Example
The universe is a fathomless expanse that we have only begun to understand. [fathomless: adjective]
unfathomable
Example
The reasons for his sudden departure remain unfathomable to us. [unfathomable: adjective]
Example
The complexity of the human brain is unfathomable to even the most brilliant scientists. [unfathomable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unfathomable is more commonly used than fathomless in everyday language. Unfathomable is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while fathomless is less common and has a more poetic connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fathomless and unfathomable?
Both fathomless and unfathomable are formal words that are more commonly used in written language than in spoken language. However, fathomless has a more literary connotation and may be considered more formal than unfathomable.