Illegible Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪˈlɛdʒəbəl/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A word, phrase, or symbol that cannot be deciphered or understood, often due to poor handwriting, unclear printing, or obscure terminology.

Examples

The doctor couldn’t make sense of the illegible prescription.
The ancient manuscript was written in an illegible script.

Synonyms

Gibberish
Undecipherable
Unclear

Antonyms

Clear
Legible
Understandable

Etymology

The word “illegible” comes from the Latin words “in” (not) and “legere” (to read), likely due to its connection to written language.

Usage Notes

Illegible is commonly used to describe handwritten text that is difficult to read, but it can also apply to printed or digital text that is unclear or obscure.

Cultural References

In the TV show “Stranger Things,” the characters often discuss an “illegible” code that holds the key to unlocking the mystery of the show.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Your handwriting is illegible to me, can you rewrite it?

Related Words or Phrases

Decipherable, legible, understandable, unclear, gibberish

Collocations

Illegible handwriting, illegible script, illegible text

Frequency of Use

Illegible is a relatively uncommon word, but it is often used in specific contexts, such as academic writing or technical documentation.