adjective
incredible
in-KRED-uh-buhl/ɪnˈkredəbl/
So extraordinary that belief is difficult.
The acrobat's incredible one-handed handstand leaves a nearby spectator wide-eyed with amazement.
Etymology
The negative prefix turns “worthy of belief” into “not to be believed.” Something that seems to surpass belief can thus be called incredible for being extraordinary or impressive.
In context
this is incredible. This is definitely unlike anything we've ever seen.
More examples
- Her memory for names is incredible.
- The hikers survive an incredible six days without food.
- His account of the escape sounds incredible, but witnesses confirm it.
Forms
incredible
incredibly adverb — To an extraordinary or unbelievable degree.
Similar words
- unbelievable
- Emphasizes difficulty believing something, whether impressive or simply unlikely.
- remarkable
- Emphasizes being worth noticing, without necessarily straining belief.
- astonishing
- Emphasizes intense surprise rather than difficulty believing something.