1. members of the lowest caste in traditional Hindu society, considered ritually impure and subject to social discrimination
Usage: historical; often considered offensive; preferred term is ‘Dalits’
2. people or things that cannot be criticized, harmed, or interfered with
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The caste system historically relegated untouchables to menial jobs.
• Gandhi worked to improve conditions for India’s untouchables.
• Modern India has laws protecting the rights of former untouchables.
• In the company, senior executives seemed like untouchables who could do no wrong.
• The coach treated his star players as untouchables, never benching them.
• Some topics remain untouchables in polite conversation.
• The documentary exposed how certain politicians considered themselves untouchables.