# incoherent

/ˌɪnkoʊˈhɪɹənt/ (US) · /ɪnkəʊhˈiəɹənt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incoherent
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

unclear and hard to understand. You use this to describe someone who is talking in a confused way or writing that does not make sense.

For teachers: lacking clarity, logic, or internal consistency. Often describes speech or writing that is disorganized or physically garbled due to emotion, illness, or poor structure.

## Examples

- He was so tired that his explanation was completely incoherent.
- The witness was so shaken by the accident that her initial statement to the police was entirely incoherent.
- The essay was criticized for being incoherent, as the author jumped between unrelated theories without providing any logical transitions or supporting evidence.

## Usage notes

- Often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'sound'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.