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unchallengeable

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ʌntʃˈælɪndʒəbəl/

US

  • /ʌntʃˈælɪndʒəbəl/

Description

Imagine building an argument so solid, so airtight, that no one can find a real flaw in it. That's what "unchallengeable" means: something so strong, certain, or well supported that it cannot be questioned successfully. It is not just hard to challenge; it stands up against attack. Think of a mathematical proof: if it is done correctly, the result is unchallengeable. Or consider a deeply held belief that sits at the core of someone's identity; to that person, that conviction might feel unchallengeable.

The word suggests great strength, authority, or certainty. You would not describe a slightly flawed plan as "unchallengeable," but you might describe clear evidence, a proven fact, or a lead so large that nobody can catch it that way. It is a strong term reserved for things with firm foundations. For example, an athlete who pulls far ahead might build an unchallengeable lead in a race.

Examples

  1. 1

    Sports lead

    By the end of the third quarter, the team had built an unchallengeable lead.

    • Phrase

      an unchallengeable lead

      an advantage so large that the other side cannot catch up

  2. 2

    Professional authority

    Her experience in the field gave her an almost unchallengeable authority in the meeting.

    • Phrase

      unchallengeable authority

      a position people do not feel able to question

  3. 3

    Legal evidence

    The DNA evidence made the prosecution's case look unchallengeable.

  4. 4

    Market position

    For years, the company seemed to have an unchallengeable position in the market.

  5. 5

    Personal judgment

    He spoke as if his own judgment were unchallengeable, which annoyed everyone else.

See also

adjectivenot open to dispute, question, or successful challenge

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • unchallengeable authority
  • unchallengeable evidence
  • unchallengeable decision

Word family

  • challengeable
  • unchallengeably

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Forms and spellings

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Main spelling

  • unchallengeableadjective