untouchable

UK: /ʌnˈtʌtʃəb^əl/ US: /ʌnˈtʌtʃəbəl/ ,(un tuch′ə bəl)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

un•touch•a•ble /ʌnˈtʌtʃəbəl/   adj. 

1. impossible to touch;
   intangible.
2. disgusting to the touch.
3. beyond criticism or control:
   The boss's son is untouchable.

n. [countable]

4. Eastern Religions a member of a lower caste in India whose touch was once believed to defile someone of higher caste.
5. a social outcast.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

un•touch•a•ble  (un tuch′ə bəl), adj. 

1. that may not be touched;
   of a nature such that it cannot be touched;
   not palpable;
   intangible.
2. too distant to be touched.
3. vile or loathsome to the touch.
4. beyond criticism, control, or suspicion:
   Modern writers consider no subject untouchable.

n. 

5. Eastern Religions [Hinduism.] a member of a lower caste in India whose touch is believed to defile a high-caste Hindu;
   Harijan.
6. a person who is beyond reproach as to honesty, diligence, etc.
7. a person disregarded or shunned by society or a particular group;
   social outcast:
   political untouchables.
8. a person or thing considered inviolable or beyond criticism:
   such untouchables as Social Security in the federal budget.

• un-¹ + touchable 1560–70

un•touch′a•bly, adv. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

untouchable / ʌnˈtʌtʃəb^əl/ adjective

1. lying beyond reach
2. above reproach, suspicion, or impeachment
3. unable to be touched

noun

1. 
   a former name for Dalit
2. a person or thing that is considered above reproach or beyond criticism

unˌtouchaˈbility noun