unimpeachability
|un-im-peach-a-bi-li-ty|
/ˌʌnɪmˌpiːtʃəˈbɪlɪti/
not able to be impeached or criticized
Etymology
'unimpeachability' originates from English formations: the prefix 'un-' (from Old English 'un-', meaning 'not'), combined with 'impeach' (from Middle English 'impechen' / Old French 'empechier'), plus the adjectival suffix '-able' (from Latin '-abilis', meaning 'able') and the nominalizing suffix '-ity' (from Latin '-itas', meaning 'state or condition').
'Impeach' changed from Old French 'empechier' (meaning 'to hinder, entangle') into Middle English 'impechen' with senses including 'to accuse' and later became modern English 'impeach'. The adjective 'impeachable' (able to be impeached) was formed from this root, and subsequently the negative prefix 'un-' plus '-ability' produced 'unimpeachability'.
Initially the root sense was roughly 'to hinder or entangle'; over time the verb developed a specific legal sense 'to accuse or charge (a public official)'. From that developed the adjective 'impeachable' ('subject to impeachment') and finally 'unimpeachability' came to mean 'not subject to accusation or removal'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being unimpeachable — beyond doubt, criticism, or reproach.
Her unimpeachability as a judge made her nomination largely uncontroversial.
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Noun 2
in a legal/political sense, the condition of being not subject to impeachment or formal accusation leading to removal from office.
Debates over the senator's unimpeachability focused on whether his actions met the constitutional standard for impeachment.
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Last updated: 2025/11/10 22:40