Definition

Difficult or impossible to read or understand due to unclear writing or printing.

Example

The note was so smudged that it was completely illegible.

Conversation

I couldn't read your notes from class yesterday.

Really? Were they that bad?

Yes, they looked completely illegible to me.

I'll try to write more clearly next time!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Illegible → It is formed from "il-" (meaning not) and "legere" (meaning to read). The word describes something that cannot be read due to poor handwriting or unclear text.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not' ('il-') able to be 'read' ('legere') — that's why illegible means it cannot be read.

Visually Confused Words