Word
unintelligible
Phoneticsun·in·tel·li·gi·ble, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənɪnˈtɛɫədʒəbəɫ/
UK/ˌʌnɪntˈɛlɪdʒəbəl/
Definition
adj. impossible to understand because the speech or writing is not clear. You use this when someone is mumbling or the handwriting is very messy.
adj. impossible to understand or comprehend, typically due to poor articulation, low audio quality, or illegible script. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'sound'.
Examples
“His handwriting is so messy that it is almost unintelligible.”
“The recording was so old and scratchy that most of the interview remained unintelligible to the researchers.”
“While the technical jargon was familiar to the engineers, the dense mathematical proofs in the appendix were largely unintelligible to the lay audience attending the lecture.”
Examples
simple
“His handwriting is so messy that it is almost unintelligible.”
contextual
“The recording was so old and scratchy that most of the interview remained unintelligible to the researchers.”
complex
“While the technical jargon was familiar to the engineers, the dense mathematical proofs in the appendix were largely unintelligible to the lay audience attending the lecture.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb or modifies nouns related to communication like 'speech', 'writing', or 'sounds'.
Pitfall
The book was unintelligible to read.
The book was unintelligible.
Unintelligible describes the quality of the communication itself; adding 'to read' is redundant and grammatically awkward.
Real-World Examples
“While much of it is unintelligible, the bed linens and walls are defaced with marker and what appears to be either blood or ketchup.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unintelligible