Today's Word

Mercurial

mər-KYUR-ee-uhl (or mur-KYOOR-ee-uhl)

Definition

(adjective) Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind; volatile, capricious.
Relating to the Roman god Mercury (or the planet Mercury), often implying qualities of cleverness, eloquence, or swiftness.

Example

Her mercurial temperament made her both exhilarating and exhausting to work with; one moment she was full of boundless enthusiasm, and the next, stormy and withdrawn.

Fun Fact

The word “mercurial” is derived from the Roman god Mercury, who was known for his speed, wit, and trickery. Mercury was also the messenger of the gods, and his unpredictable nature made him a fitting inspiration for the term. In alchemy, “mercurial” also refers to mercury (quicksilver), a liquid metal known for its fluid and volatile properties, reinforcing the word’s association with changeability. Over time, “mercurial” evolved to describe not only physical but also emotional and mental shifts, making it a vivid way to characterize people with ever-changing moods.

Previous Words

Unconscionable

Today's Word

Unconscionable

un-KON-shun-uh-bul

Definition

(adjective) Shockingly unfair or unethical; so morally unacceptable that no reasonable person could justify or defend it.

Example

The jury found the insurance company’s denial of coverage for the child’s treatment to be unconscionable.

Word Origin

From un- (“not”) + conscionable, which derives from conscience — from Latin conscientia (“joint knowledge, inner awareness”), built from con- (“together”) + scire (“to know”). To be conscionable is to act within the limits of one’s conscience. To be unconscionable is to act so far outside those bounds that no reasonable conscience could accept it.

Fun Fact

“Unconscionable” is one of the few moral words that has its own legal doctrine. In contract law, the “unconscionability doctrine” allows courts to void contracts that are so one-sided or oppressive that enforcing them would be morally indefensible. It’s a rare instance where a court explicitly invokes ethics — not just law — to rule on a case. The doctrine was significantly expanded in the 1960s consumer rights era, when courts began striking down predatory lending contracts and exploitative fine-print agreements on exactly these grounds.

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Mercurial

Definition

Example

Previous Words

Unconscionable

Unconscionable

Definition

Example

Word Origin

Unconscionable

Hermetic

Gossamer

Nexus

Accord