Definition

The quality of being hard to read or unclear in writing or print.

Example

The illegibility of the note made it impossible to understand the message.

Conversation

Did you manage to read that note from class?

Not really, the illegibility made it impossible to understand.

I thought so! I could barely make out the words myself.

Next time, I’ll just ask the teacher for a clearer copy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Illegibility is formed from "il-" (meaning not), "legere" (meaning to read), and "-ibility" (meaning the quality of being). The word describes the quality of being not readable or difficult to read.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('il-') being combined with 'read' ('legere') to remember that 'illegibility' means something that is not readable.

Visually Confused Words