How to Use Illegible in a Sentence
What Does Illegible Mean?
Illegible describes text or writing that is extremely difficult or impossible to read. The word comes from the Latin illegibilis, combining in- (not) with legibilis (readable). Handwriting, printed text, signs, and documents can all be illegible if their content cannot be deciphered.
Example sentences:
- The doctor's handwriting on the prescription was nearly illegible.
- Water damage made several pages of the manuscript illegible.
- His notes from the lecture were so illegible that even he couldn't read them the next day.
Illegible vs. Unreadable
While these words overlap, they carry slightly different shades. Illegible specifically refers to text that cannot be deciphered because of its physical appearance. Unreadable can mean the same thing, but it also describes writing that is too boring, confusing, or poorly structured to get through. A novel can be unreadable because it is tedious; a street sign can be illegible because the paint has faded.
Illegible vs. Eligible
These words sometimes trip people up because they look similar. Eligible means qualified or entitled to do something ("She is eligible for the scholarship"). Illegible means unreadable. They share no meaning at all. If you find yourself hesitating, check whether you are talking about reading something or qualifying for something.
More Example Sentences
- The faded inscription on the tombstone was illegible after centuries of weathering.
- Please rewrite your answer; this response is illegible.
- The signature on the contract was illegible, so the bank requested a printed name below it.
- After the fire, most of the records were either destroyed or illegible.
Usage Tips
Illegible almost always describes written or printed material. You would not call a spoken word "illegible." Common pairings include illegible handwriting, illegible signature, illegible text, and illegible scrawl. The word works in formal and informal contexts alike, from medical records to class notes.
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