incredible

IPA/ɪnˈkredəbl/
KK[ˌɪnkrˈɛdəbəl]IPA/ɪnˈkredəbl/

incredible — adjective

  • incrediblepositive
  • more incrediblecomparative
  • most incrediblesuperlative

1. So surprising, strange, or unlikely that it is difficult to accept something as

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

So surprising, strange, or unlikely that it is difficult to accept something as true.

Example

Tanvi found it incredible that her old bicycle was still in perfect condition after ten years.

find + it + incredible + that-clause

The report contained incredible claims about the company's profits that no one could verify.

incredible + noun (claims) for doubtful information

Common collocations
  • incredible claim
  • incredible story
  • incredible coincidence
  • incredible news
  • find something incredible
  • seem incredible
Synonyms
  • unbelievable

    More direct synonym; interchangeable in most contexts but slightly less formal.

  • implausible

    More formal; focuses on lack of likelihood rather than shock value.

  • far-fetched

    Informal; suggests a story or idea is stretched beyond reason.

Antonyms
  • believable

    Straightforward opposite — something easy to accept as true.

  • credible

    Slightly more formal; describes information that deserves to be trusted.

Grammar Patterns

find + it + incredible + that-clause

it + be + incredible + that-clause

incredible + noun (claim/story/message)

Usage Note

Often used in patterns where the speaker reacts to information: 'I find it incredible that...' or 'It is incredible that...'. The adjective describes the speaker's reaction, not a quality of the information itself. Do not confuse with 'incredulous', which describes a person who is unwilling to believe something.

Common Mistakes

She was incredible when I told her the news.' (meaning she refused to believe it)
She was incredulous when I told her the news.
'incredible' describes events or claims; 'incredulous' describes a person's attitude of doubt.

2. Extremely good, impressive, or enjoyable — far better than what is normal or exp

2.adjectiveB1
Definition

Extremely good, impressive, or enjoyable — far better than what is normal or expected. Can also add emphasis to anything very large, extreme, or intense.

Example

The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely incredible at sunrise.

absolutely incredible — intensifier collocation

Kenji's piano performance received an incredible round of applause from the audience.

incredible + noun (round of applause)

Common collocations
  • absolutely incredible
  • truly incredible
  • quite incredible
  • incredible talent
  • incredible view
  • incredible food
  • incredible opportunity
  • incredible energy
Synonyms
  • amazing

    Equally common and informal; interchangeable with 'incredible' in most contexts.

  • fantastic

    Slightly more enthusiastic and positive in tone; very common in British English.

  • remarkable

    More formal; emphasizes that something is notable or worth commenting on.

  • extraordinary

    The most formal of the group; stresses that something goes far beyond what is normal.

Antonyms
  • ordinary

    Describes something normal and unremarkable — the everyday opposite.

  • mediocre

    Negative; describes something of only average or below-average quality.

Grammar Patterns

be + absolutely/truly/quite + incredible

incredible + noun (talent/view/meal/performance)

Usage Note

Common in informal spoken English as a general intensifier, similar to 'amazing' or 'fantastic'. Can modify almost any positive noun: 'an incredible meal', 'an incredible opportunity', 'incredible energy'. Avoid using 'incredible' to describe something bad — its positive connotation is very strong in modern usage.

Common Mistakes

The weather was incredible — it rained all day.' (trying to use 'incredible' for bad news)
The weather was terrible
it rained all day.' — 'incredible' in informal use always means extremely good, not extremely bad.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/2

All four words describe something extremely positive, but they differ in register and connotation. 'Incredible' and 'amazing' are the most common in everyday informal conversation — you might say 'the food was incredible' or 'the party was amazing.' 'Fantastic' carries a slightly more enthusiastic, cheerful tone and is very common in British English. 'Remarkable' is more formal and factual; it suggests something is worth noticing or commenting on, such as 'a remarkable achievement.' 'Extraordinary' is the most formal and emphatic of the group, used when something goes far beyond the normal range, as in 'an extraordinary act of kindness.' In casual speech, use 'incredible' or 'amazing'; in writing or formal situations, 'remarkable' or 'extraordinary' are better choices.

amazing ↗fantastic ↗remarkable ↗extraordinary ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • find it incredible that
  • it is incredible that
  • incredible as it may seem

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'incredibilis' — 'in-' (not) combined with 'credibilis' (worthy of belief), which itself comes from 'credere' (to believe, to trust). The word entered English in the 1400s through Middle French, keeping its original meaning of 'too extraordinary to be believed.' By the early 1900s, English speakers began using 'incredible' in informal conversation as a general intensifier meaning 'extremely good,' shifting the focus from doubt about truth to admiration of quality.