inimitable

adjective

in·​im·​i·​ta·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈni-mə-tə-bəl 

: not capable of being imitated : matchless

her own inimitable style

inimitableness noun

inimitably

(ˌ)i-ˈni-mə-tə-blē 

adverb

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How Should You Use inimitable?

Something that is inimitable is, literally, not able to be imitated. In actual usage the word describes things so uniquely extraordinary as to not be copied or equaled, which is why you often hear it used to praise outstanding talents or performances (or uniquely talented and incomparable individuals). (The less common antonym imitable describes things that are common or ordinary and could easily be replicated.) Inimitable comes, via Middle English, from the Latin adjective inimitabilis. Be careful not to confuse it with inimical or inimicable, two adjectives meaning “hostile” or “harmful”; those words come from a different Latin root.

Synonyms of inimitable

• only
• extraordinary
• excellent
• incomparable
• exceptional
• unparalleled
• matchless
• unique
• unrivaled
• beautiful

Examples of inimitable in a Sentence

an inimitable performer of violin solos

Recent Examples on the Web

The day before the islands actually are turned into Christo’s art, the fabric will be delivered to the islands (in inimitable style, by 32 boats intended to arrive simultaneously) and anchored. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026

Coast to Coast 💔 John Garrett, the inimitable, beloved longtime Canucks broadcaster, has died. —Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026

After decades on the margins of art history, Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani—a collagist of singular, inimitable vision—is finally having his story told, though not in any linear fashion. —Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

The point wasn’t to make something new and inimitable, the point was to showcase that Saudi Arabia is a ready, willing, and extremely rich host country for all of the usual crap that has gotten too expensive to make well in America. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin inimitābilis, from in- in- entry 1 + imitābilis imitable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inimitable

• illimitable

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Kids Definition

inimitable

adjective

in·​im·​i·​ta·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈim-ət-ə-bəl 

: not capable of being imitated : matchless

her own inimitable style