Definition

Something that cannot be read or understood easily, often because it is unclear or poorly written.

Example

The author's handwriting was so messy that it was completely unreadable.

Conversation

Have you read that new book everyone is talking about?

Not yet, but I heard it's pretty unreadable in parts.

Really? I thought it was supposed to be a page-turner.

Me too, but I guess some people found the writing style unreadable.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unreadable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "readable" (from the root "read" which comes from Old English "rǣdan", meaning to interpret or to advise, combined with the suffix "-able" meaning capable of). The word "unreadable" means not capable of being read or interpreted.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'capable of being read' ('readable') — that's why unreadable means something that cannot be read.

Visually Confused Words