Meaning & Definition of word "Unintelligible"
to
Unintelligible
/ˌənˌɪnˈtɛl.ɪ.dʒə.bəl/
adjective:
- 1. Impossible to understand; incomprehensible.
- Example: The speaker's accent was so thick that his words were largely unintelligible.
- 2. Not able to be understood; unclear.
- Example: The handwriting on the old document was almost unintelligible due to the faded ink.
- 3. Difficult to comprehend due to poor articulation or expression.
- Example: After the accident, his speech became slurred and unintelligible.
Etymology
From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'intelligible' meaning 'able to be understood'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
lost in translation:
Unable to understand something due to language differences or unclear messages.
speechless:
Unable to express oneself clearly, often due to emotion or shock.
clear as mud:
Something that is very confusing or hard to understand.
Related Words
intelligible:
Able to be understood; clear.
contrast:
To show the differences between two or more things.
Slang Meanings of unintelligible
Meaning: Difficult to follow or grasp
Example Sentence: That lecture was so unintelligible, I have no idea what the professor was saying.
Meaning: Mumbling or garbled speech
Example Sentence: After a few drinks, his words became totally unintelligible.