Illegible

/ɪˈlɛdʒ.ə.bəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Not clear enough to be read.
His handwriting was so illegible that the teacher couldn't decipher the note.
Difficult or impossible to read.
The old manuscript was filled with illegible text, making it hard for historians to interpret.
Characterized by a lack of clarity in writing.
The report had several illegible sections, causing confusion among the team members.
Incapable of being understood because of poor writing or printing.
After the rain, the ink on the sign became illegible, and passersby struggled to read the directions.

Etymology

From Latin 'illegibilis', combining 'in-' (not) + 'legibilis' (able to be read).

Common Phrases and Expressions

illegible handwriting
Handwriting that cannot be read easily.
illegible notes
Notes that are difficult to read due to poor writing.
illegible text
Text that is unclear or difficult to decipher.

Related Words

legible
Capable of being read or deciphered.

Slang Meanings

Chicken scratch
He wrote his notes in a chicken scratch that was completely illegible.
Scrawl
Her scrawl was so bad that the teacher found it illegible.