Langimage
English

unmerchantable

|un/mer/chant/a/ble|

C1

🇺🇸

/ʌnˈmɜːrtʃəntəbl/

🇬🇧

/ʌnˈmɜːtʃəntəbl/

not suitable for sale

Etymology
Etymology Information

'unmerchantable' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'merchantable' from the Old French 'marchandable', where 'marchand' meant 'merchant'.

Historical Evolution

'merchantable' changed from the Old French word 'marchandable' and eventually became the modern English word 'merchantable'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'suitable for trade', but with the prefix 'un-', it evolved into its current meaning of 'not suitable for trade'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

not suitable for sale or trade due to defects or poor quality.

The goods were deemed unmerchantable due to severe damage.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42