illegible

UK: ɪˈlɛdʒɪb(ə)l | US: ɪˈlɛdʒəb(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. (of writing or print) impossible or very hard to read due to poor form or condition.

Structure
il <not>leg <read>ible <capable of>
Etymology

The word "illegible" traces back to Latin roots:

  • The prefix il- (variant of in- before l) means "not," derived from Latin in-.
  • The root leg- comes from Latin legere ("to read"), also seen in words like "legible" and "lecture."
  • The suffix -ible (from Latin -ibilis) indicates capability, forming adjectives meaning "able to be."
    Originally, "legible" (readable) emerged in Late Latin as legibilis, with "illegible" later formed by adding the negative prefix. The term reflects the logical progression from "readable" to its opposite, emphasizing visual clarity in written communication.
Examples

  1. The doctor's handwriting was so illegible that the pharmacist misread the prescription.

  2. Faded ink made the historical document nearly illegible.

  3. Students often complain about illegible feedback on their essays.

  4. The note was scribbled in such haste that it became illegible.

  5. Poor printing quality rendered the textbook’s diagrams illegible.