unreadable

adjective

un·​read·​able ˌən-ˈrē-də-bəl How to pronounce unreadable (audio)
: not readable: such as
a
: not decipherable : illegible
unreadable handwriting
b
: impossible to read and understand : incomprehensible
… a flawed, unreadable, misleading bill that garnered support based on propaganda and clever—but false—talking points.Marilyn M. Singleton
c
: impossible to interpret
The expression on her face was unreadable.
d
: not enjoyable or interesting enough to engage the reader
an unreadable novel

Examples of unreadable in a Sentence

the old book contains an inscription, but the handwriting is cramped and unreadable
Recent Examples on the Web In January, the company recalled 2.2 million vehicles due to unreadable warning light lettering. Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024 At its core, end-to-end encryption works by scrambling communications content into an unreadable format. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 The gun was loaded with 11 rounds, according to court filings, and the serial number on the rifle was obliterated and unreadable. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 23 Sep. 2024 The second charge alleges that the weapon’s serial number was obliterated and unreadable to the naked eye, which is a violation of federal law. Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unreadable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unreadable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unreadable was circa 1655

Dictionary Entries Near unreadable

Cite this Entry

“Unreadable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unreadable. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

unreadable

adjective
un·​read·​able
ˌən-ˈrēd-ə-bəl,
ˈən-
1
: too dull or unattractive to read
a long, unreadable essay
2
: illegible
unreadable handwriting

More from Merriam-Webster on unreadable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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