According to the ISI Web of Knowledge, since Spring 2009 ~300 scientific publications have been published containing the term "unculturable" as an adjective describing microorganisms. Furthermore, "unculturable" appeared with highest frequency in 2008; thus, use of this term is increasing. As a researcher and educator, I oppose the proliferation of conceptually erroneous terminology because, once accepted, it influences how individuals ask and answer scientific questions. I argue here that the term "unculturable" should not be used to label microorganisms in a taxonomic sense. Instead, "uncultured" is the accurate term. "Unculturable" should be considered synonymous with "moribund" and be applied only as a descriptor of a temporary physiological state of microbial cells (in laboratory culture or in nature) that have lost their ability to grow or be resuscitated.