illegible

Everyday

Too messy, faded or unclear to be read. tree →

In the lessons

In school about handwriting; in everyday life about faded signs and smudged notes. It tells the reader that words cannot be read. Phrases: illegible handwriting, almost illegible.

Examples

• The doctor's handwriting was illegible. tree →
• Rain made the note illegible. tree →
• Please write neatly, this answer is illegible. tree →
• The old gravestone was worn and illegible. tree →
• My signature looks illegible but it's my name. tree →
• The smudged ink left the last line illegible. tree →

Note

Opposite: legible (clear enough to read). Noun: illegibility. Do not confuse with illegal (against the law) or ineligible (not allowed to take part).