What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incomprehensible
Example
The professor's lecture was incomprehensible to most of the students. [incomprehensible: adjective]
Example
The complexity of quantum physics is often incomprehensible to non-scientists. [incomprehensible: adjective]
unfathomable
Example
The depths of the ocean are unfathomable to most people. [unfathomable: adjective]
Example
The reasons behind his sudden disappearance remain unfathomable to this day. [unfathomable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incomprehensible is more commonly used than unfathomable in academic or technical contexts. However, unfathomable is more commonly used in everyday language to describe mysteries or enigmas.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incomprehensible and unfathomable?
Incomprehensible is more formal than unfathomable. It is commonly used in academic or technical writing, while unfathomable is more informal and is commonly used in everyday language.
