Practice Illegible with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes

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Middle School 11

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illegible

Illegible (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ɪˈlɛdʒɪbl/

What does illegible mean?

Cannot be read or deciphered due to its unclear, messy, or unreadable writing or printing.
"The map was so old that the print had become illegible."

Detailed Meaning of Illegible

When we label something as illegible, we imply that the text or handwriting is so unclear or distorted that it becomes extremely difficult or impossible to comprehend. Illegible writing often lacks the necessary clarity or legibility required for effective communication or understanding. This term can be applied to various contexts, from illegible handwriting that renders a note indecipherable to blurred or faded print that makes a document impossible to read. In essence, "illegible" underscores the idea of the text's inaccessibility or obscurity, emphasizing the need for clearer presentation or improved readability.

Example Sentences for Illegible

1. The handwriting on the doctor's prescription was completely illegible.
2. The faded ink made the document almost illegible.
3. The hurriedly written note was illegible, leaving us confused about its contents.
4. The smudged letters made the message illegible and difficult to decipher.
5. The old manuscript had become so worn that parts of it were illegible.
6. The tiny font used in the contract made it almost illegible without a magnifying glass.

Origin and Etymology of Illegible

The adjective 'illegible' has its etymological roots in Latin and Middle English. It is formed by adding the prefix 'il-' to the word 'legible.' 'Legible' itself comes from the Latin word 'legibilis,' which is derived from 'legere,' meaning 'to read.' The prefix 'il-' in Latin signifies negation or lack of something. Therefore, 'illegible' essentially means 'not readable' or 'unreadable.' This term aptly describes text or writing that cannot be easily read or deciphered due to its unclear, messy, or indecipherable nature. The etymology of 'illegible' underscores its meaning as something that lacks the readability necessary for understanding, highlighting its function in describing incomprehensible or jumbled written or printed material.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective illegible:

legible

readable

unreadable

clear

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Illegible

1. The water damage to the book rendered some of the pages illegible.
2. The hurriedly scrawled directions were illegible, causing us to get lost.
3. The poor photocopy made the text appear blurry and illegible.
4. The graffiti on the wall was illegible, making it hard to understand its meaning.
5. The aging typewriter produced uneven characters, making the document illegible.
6. The smudged ink on the exam paper made some of the answers illegible.
7. The foreign language handwriting was illegible to me, as I couldn't understand the characters.
8. The illegible signature on the contract raised suspicions about its authenticity.
9. The poor quality of the printing made the text illegible in certain areas.
10. The faded ink on the map made the street names illegible.
11. The rush of the note-taker resulted in illegible notes that were difficult to study.
12. The illegible handwriting of the address caused the letter to be misdelivered.
13. The poor lighting in the room made the small print of the document illegible.
14. The illegible instructions on the packaging left us puzzled about how to assemble the product.