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undiscussable

undiscussable

9.9
A topic people avoid talking about because it is taboo or painful
  • noun
  • /ˌʌndɪˈskʌsəbl/
translation icon : tema tabú
  • The family’s financial troubles became an undiscussable that no one dared to mention at gatherings.

Examples

  • In the workplace, the manager’s favoritism was an undiscussable that employees whispered about but never addressed openly.

  • Cultural differences can make certain topics an undiscussable in some communities.

  • Death is often considered an undiscussable topic in many cultures.

  • Many families find finances to be an undiscussable issue.

  • The allegations of fraud became an undiscussable topic at the meeting, as no one wanted to address them.

  • Many families have undiscussable issues that they avoid bringing up during gatherings.

  • In politics, some policies can become undiscussable due to their controversial nature.

Synonyms

elephant in the room
vsundiscussable
  • Informal
23 4.5

An obvious problem that people avoid talking about

is avoided because it is taboo, painful, or forbidden rather than merely obvious
hot potato
vsundiscussable
  • Informal
7 5.6

A difficult issue people try to avoid or pass to others

is avoided out of taboo or pain rather than being shifted between people

Antonyms

1 3.7

Able to be talked about

How Discussable

discussable
1 3.7
sensitive
  • Texting
43 4.1
taboo
39 5.2
undiscussable
9.9

Surface Forms

undiscussable singular

Morphology

undiscussable = discussable (transparent) = un + discuss + able

The base adjective 'discussable' is formed in a regular, predictable way from 'discuss' + '-able', and 'un-' then negates that meaning transparently.

Etymology

Undiscussable as a noun names a topic people avoid talking about. The word has un- 'not', discuss 'to talk about', and -able 'possible', so it means 'not possible to talk about' and refers to a taboo, painful, or forbidden subject.