English

unmistakably

gb/ˌʌnmɪstˈeɪkəbli/ us/ˌʌnmɪstˈeɪkəbli/
C1 English
Senses
0 senses
adverb C1 property
1

in a clearly recognizable way

In a way that is very easy to recognize.

Usage pattern: unmistakably + [adjective] / unmistakably + [noun phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse it with "mistakenly" (meaning incorrectly). "Unmistakably" means clearly, not wrongly.
Synonyms
distinctly (Emphasizes clear, separate features.) | recognizably (Focuses on being identifiable as a type or source.) | clearly (More general; can be less emphatic.)
Antonyms
ambiguously (Suggests something can be understood in more than one way.) | indistinctly (Emphasizes a lack of clear features.)
Collocations
unmistakably British |unmistakably American |unmistakably human |unmistakably familiar |unmistakably different |unmistakably similar |unmistakably his voice |unmistakably her handwriting |unmistakably the same smell |unmistakably a warning sign
Themes
communication |perception
Examples
  • She spoke with an unmistakably Irish accent.
  • The smell in the kitchen was unmistakably smoke.
  • Even in the dark, his silhouette was unmistakably familiar.
Learner examples
  • Her voice was unmistakably hers.
  • The logo is unmistakably different.
adverb formal C1 property
2

without any doubt; definitely

Definitely; so clearly that nobody can doubt it.

Usage pattern: unmistakably + [verb/adjective] / unmistakably + [clause]
Common mistake:
Avoid using it where you mean "probably" or "maybe"; "unmistakably" signals strong certainty.
Synonyms
undeniably (Stresses that denial is not reasonable.) | definitely (Common and direct; slightly less emphatic.) | plainly (Often used in argument or explanation; slightly more formal.)
Antonyms
doubtfully (Suggests uncertainty rather than certainty.) | questionably (Implies the claim is open to challenge.)
Collocations
unmistakably true |unmistakably wrong |unmistakably clear |unmistakably evident |unmistakably biased |unmistakably better |unmistakably serious |unmistakably show |unmistakably prove |unmistakably point to
Themes
opinions |evidence
Examples
  • The results unmistakably show a decline in sales.
  • Her tone was unmistakably annoyed.
  • The company is unmistakably moving in a new direction.
Learner examples
  • The answer is unmistakably yes.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unmistakably
IPA
GB/ˌʌnmɪstˈeɪkəbli/
US/ˌʌnmɪstˈeɪkəbli/
Syllables & stress
un - mis - tak - ably (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (tak)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: unmistakably
  • Plural: unmistakablies
Expressions

unmistakably so

1
/ˌʌnmɪstˈeɪkəbli sˈoʊ/
fixed phrase formal

very clearly; without doubt

Used to strongly say something is clearly true.

Examples
  • The city is changing, and unmistakably so.
  • He was nervous, and unmistakably so, as he stepped onto the stage.

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