American English
/ˌən.bəˈli.və.bl̩/
5 syllables · Stress the third syllable.
So surprising, shocking, or impressive that it is difficult to accept as true.
In unbelievable, the vowel before the main stress can sound like a quick “ih” or “uh”: /ˌən.bɪˈli.və.bl̩/ or /ˌən.bəˈli.və.bl̩/. Keep the strongest beat on “li.”
So surprising, shocking, or impressive that it is difficult to accept as true.
The view from the mountain was unbelievable.
She scored the winning goal in the last second—unbelievable!
In everyday English, unbelievable often means “amazing,” not only “not true.” The context shows which meaning is intended.
unbelievable achievement · unbelievable luck · unbelievable performance · unbelievable news
an unbelievable + noun
be + unbelievable
Not seeming true, usually because a story, excuse, or claim has problems.
His excuse for being late sounded unbelievable.
The witness gave an unbelievable account of the accident.
unbelievable excuse · unbelievable claim · unbelievable story · unbelievable explanation
seem/sound + unbelievable
find + something + unbelievable
Used to show strong surprise, excitement, or shock.
It's unbelievable! We won with one second left.