unspeakable
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unspeakable
To an extremely negative degree that can hardly be put into words; extraordinarily bad or great.
Die Zustände in dem Lager waren von unsäglicher Grausamkeit geprägt.
The conditions in the camp were marked by unspeakable cruelty.
The word consists of the prefix 'un-' and 'säglich,' which is derived from the verb 'sagen' (to say). 'Unsäglich' (unspeakable) therefore literally means that something is so extreme that one can hardly put it into words or speak of it.
Der Film war von einer unsäglichen Langeweile.
The film was filled with unspeakable boredom.
'Unsäglich' (unspeakable) is used almost exclusively with negative, abstract nouns to emphasize their extreme extent. Common combinations are 'unsägliches Leid' (unspeakable suffering), 'unsäglicher Schmerz' (unspeakable pain), or 'unsägliche Dummheit' (unspeakable stupidity).
Er hat mit seiner Bemerkung unsägliches Leid verursacht.
He caused unspeakable suffering with his remark.
This adjective belongs to elevated written language and is rarely used in everyday conversation. It gives a statement great weight and a formal, serious tone.
Die Zerstörung durch den Krieg war unsäglich.
The destruction caused by the war was unspeakable.
incredible
Both words can be used for an extremely negative event. Unfassbar emphasizes that one can hardly believe or comprehend the scale or what happened; unsäglich emphasizes a negative intensity that can hardly be expressed. Use unfassbar when disbelief is central and unsäglich for particularly great suffering or evil.
Das Leid der Angehörigen nach dem Unglück war unsäglich und ließ sich kaum in Worte fassen.
The relatives’ suffering after the accident was unspeakable and could hardly be put into words.
Die Nachricht über das Unglück war für die Angehörigen unfassbar, weil sie sie kaum glauben konnten.
The news of the accident was unbelievable to the relatives because they could hardly believe it.
