inimitable

adjective

in·​im·​i·​ta·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈni-mə-tə-bəl How to pronounce inimitable (audio)
: not capable of being imitated : matchless
her own inimitable style
inimitableness noun
inimitably adverb

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How Should You Use inimitable?

Something that is inimitable is, literally, not able to be imitated. In actual usage the word describes things so uniquely extraordinary as to not be copied or equaled, which is why you often hear it used to praise outstanding talents or performances. (The antonym imitable describes things that are common or ordinary and could easily be replicated or surpassed.) Inimitable derives via Middle English from Latin inimitabilis. Be careful not to confuse it with inimical or inimicable, two adjectives meaning "hostile" or "harmful"; those words derive from the same Latin root that gave English enemyinimīcus.

Examples of inimitable in a Sentence

an inimitable performer of violin solos
Recent Examples on the Web The inimitable Cher is set to receive the 2024 iHeartRadio Icon Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Monday April 1. Paul Grein, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2024 Design time In preparation for Palm Springs Modernism Week, The Times’ inimitable Lisa Boone pays a visit to a ’50s-era home designed by Palmer & Krisel that has been styled by Josh Agle, the artist otherwise known as Shag. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2024 There is a reason why this holiday album is beloved by so many, and that has everything to do with Nat King Cole's inimitable voice. EW.com, 16 Nov. 2023 Not long after posing alongside Pitt, Ben-Adir stopped on the red carpet to speak with Variety about transforming into the inimitable Bob Marley. Jaden Thompson, Variety, 7 Feb. 2024 Its striking art, which turns the moon into a spotlight and a forest into oblivion, is inimitable. Vulture, 2 Feb. 2024 For years, Japanese shoemaker Koji Suzuki has offered stylish guys bespoke and ready-to-wear shoes made in his inimitable, Japanese-meets-Italian style. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2024 An autopsy report has revealed that the inimitable singer and songwriter died of natural causes, according to the London coroner’s office. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 9 Jan. 2024 Vogue’s European Features Director, Giles Hattersley, is here to give you the inside story of British Vogue’s February issue starring the inimitable cover star Julia Roberts (who’s interviewed by Notting Hill screenwriter Richard Curtis). Condé Nast, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inimitable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inimitabilis, from in- + imitabilis imitable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inimitable was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Inimitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inimitable. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inimitable

adjective
in·​im·​i·​ta·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈim-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce inimitable (audio)
: not capable of being imitated : matchless
her own inimitable style

More from Merriam-Webster on inimitable

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