inexcusable
gb/ɪnɪkskjˈuzəbəl/ us/ɪnɪkskjˈuzəbəl/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
not able to be justified
If something is inexcusable, there is no good reason for it and people should blame it.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s [action/behavior] is inexcusable; It is inexcusable (that) [clause]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse with unexcused (= not officially allowed), which is used for things like absences.
Synonyms
unjustifiable (Focuses on lacking a good reason or defense.)
|
indefensible (Often used for actions that cannot be defended in argument.)
|
unforgivable (Stronger; emphasizes that it should not be forgiven.)
Antonyms
excusable (Can be forgiven because there is a reasonable explanation.)
|
justifiable (Can be shown to be right or reasonable in the circumstances.)
|
understandable (Easier to sympathize with, even if not fully acceptable.)
Collocations
inexcusable mistake
|inexcusable behavior
|inexcusable conduct
|inexcusable delay
|inexcusable error
|inexcusable negligence
|inexcusable oversight
|inexcusable rudeness
|inexcusable failure
|inexcusable ignorance
Themes
judgment
|behavior
|ethics
|emotions
Examples
- Leaving a child alone in the car is inexcusable.
- It was inexcusable that the company ignored repeated safety warnings.
- Her inexcusable rudeness shocked everyone at the meeting.
Learner examples
- I am sorry for my inexcusable mistake.
- The delay was inexcusable.
Grammar
Dictionary form
inexcusable
IPA
GB/ɪnɪkskjˈuzəbəl/
US/ɪnɪkskjˈuzəbəl/
Syllables & stress
in - ex - cus - able (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (cus)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: inexcusable
Word family
Core family
excuse
verb A2
excusable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
inexcusably
adverb C1
unexcused
adjective B2
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.