Which term refers to adjectives that cannot be expressed in degrees?

• A. Non-gradable adjectives
• B. Gradable adjectives
• C. Relative adjectives
• D. Descriptive adjectives

Answer: (A)

This concept is about how adjectives can take degrees on a scale. Some adjectives live on a spectrum where you can compare amounts, using forms like more or the most, or with the -er/-est endings (tall, taller, tallest). Others don’t fit into a scale at all; they express an absolute state and don’t naturally allow comparison. These are non-gradable adjectives. They denote a quality as complete or fixed in a way that the degree can’t vary meaningfully, so you don’t pair them with typical degree markers like more or less, or with comparative endings.

That’s why the best term here is non-gradable adjectives. They contrast with gradable adjectives, which readily take degrees, and with relative or descriptive labels that don’t pinpoint degree status as clearly.