Impossible or extremely difficult to trace or track; not able to be located or identified. This often refers to something that has been deliberately obscured or hidden to avoid detection, or where the mechanisms for tracking or identification are absent or insufficient. The term implies a lack of a clear trail, record, or source that would allow one to follow the origin, movement, or ownership of something. This can apply to physical objects, digital information, finances, or even individuals. The context determines the specific aspect of 'traceability' that is absent.
Untraceable meaning with examples
- The hacker used a sophisticated VPN and anonymizing software, making their digital footprints untraceable. Law enforcement struggled to identify the source of the malware, as all attempts to trace the connection back led to dead ends and encrypted servers. The stolen data was encrypted, and the ransom demanded was in untraceable cryptocurrency, further hindering the investigation.
- The witness reported a vehicle with untraceable license plates, making it incredibly difficult for police to track the suspects involved in the hit-and-run. Authorities were unable to locate the source of the tainted food, as the ingredients had been shipped through several intermediaries, creating an untraceable supply chain. Investigators had to utilize advanced forensic techniques to overcome these layers of obfuscation.
- The company used a shell corporation with untraceable ownership to funnel money overseas, evading taxes and regulations. The financial transactions were routed through offshore accounts and complex financial instruments, making the movement of funds effectively untraceable. This obscured the origin and final destination of the money, allowing the company to operate with increased secrecy.
- The spy utilized a series of aliases and false documents, crafting an untraceable identity to infiltrate the enemy's ranks. With no established history to reveal their true identity, the agent could move freely and gather intelligence undetected. Their physical appearances were altered via plastic surgery to render their faces untraceable to old photographs and identifications.
- The evidence was accidentally destroyed or purposefully removed leaving the origin untraceable. The fire consumed any physical evidence making the cause and origin untraceable. Without proper documentation, the item's journey from manufacturer to user remained untraceable.