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Unclassifiable - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Unclassifiable describes something that cannot be categorized or grouped due to its unique, ambiguous, or complex nature. It is often used for things that defy standard labels or definitions.

unclassifiable

/ʌnˈklæsɪfaɪəbəl/ /ʌnˈklɑːsɪfaɪəbəl/

Definition:

Not able to be categorized or classified due to unique or ambiguous characteristics.

Synonyms:

uncategorizable, indefinable, inscrutable, unidentifiable

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

classifiable, categorizable, definable

Common Collocations:

unclassifiable data, unclassifiable object, unclassifiable phenomenon

Derivatives:

unclassifiably, unclassifiability

Usage Tips:

Use "unclassifiable" to describe something that defies standard categories or lacks clear classification criteria.

Common Phrases:

beyond classification, defies categorization, hard to pin down

Etymology:

Derived from prefix "un-" (not) + "classify" (to categorize) + suffix "-able" (capable of).

Examples:

  • 1. The artwork was deemed unclassifiable by critics.
  • 2. Her music blends genres in an unclassifiable way.
  • 3. The creature’s odd features made it unclassifiable by biologists.
  • 4. His behavior was so erratic it seemed unclassifiable.

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