inexcusable

/ˌɪnɪkˈskjuːzəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪnɪkˈskjuːzəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌi-nik-ˈskyü-zə-bəl/ (ame, mw)

inexcusable — adjective

  • inexcusablepositive
  • more inexcusablecomparative
  • most inexcusablesuperlative

1. describes an action, mistake, or piece of behaviour that is so wrong, careless,

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes an action, mistake, or piece of behaviour that is so wrong, careless, or harmful that no reason a person could give would make it acceptable

例句

Zuri called the doctor's two-hour delay before the surgery completely inexcusable.

be + inexcusable with intensifying adverb 'completely'

Shouting at the waiter over a small spilled drink was inexcusable behaviour from Dario.

inexcusable + noun (behaviour / conduct)

同義詞
  • unforgivable

    stronger; implies the relationship or trust cannot be restored, while 'inexcusable' only says no reason justifies the act

  • indefensible

    focuses on the impossibility of arguing logically in favour of the action, often in public or legal contexts

  • unjustifiable

    centres on the lack of a valid reason or basis, common in discussions of costs, decisions, or policies

  • unpardonable

    more formal and old-fashioned; carries a religious or legal flavour (an unpardonable sin)

反義詞
  • excusable

    the direct opposite; describes a fault that has a reasonable explanation

  • forgivable

    suggests the wrong is small enough to overlook

  • understandable

    milder; says the behaviour makes sense given the situation, without judging it as right or wrong

文法句型

be + inexcusable

inexcusable + noun

find something + inexcusable

用法筆記

Frequently appears with intensifying adverbs such as absolutely, completely, utterly, totally, or simply. Subject is usually a serious action or piece of behaviour rather than a minor error; weak intensifiers like 'a bit' or 'slightly' rarely combine with this adjective.

常見錯誤

I burnt the toast — it was inexcusable.
I burnt the toast
💡it was a silly mistake.' — 'inexcusable' is reserved for serious moral or professional failings, not for trivial everyday slips.
Your shy reply was inexcusable.
Your rude reply was inexcusable.
💡'inexcusable' describes wrong or harmful behaviour, not behaviour that is merely awkward or quiet.