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Definition of illegible

illegible

/ɪˈlɛdʒ.ə.bəl/
il · leg · i · ble
Adverb:illegibly
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illegible Lexical Profile

illegible Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not clear enough to be read; impossible or very difficult to decipher, especially because of poor handwriting or faded print.

Example

"The doctor's handwritten prescription was so illegible that the pharmacist had to call the clinic for clarification."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for illegible
Antonyms
View all antonyms for illegible

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'illegible' with 'ineligible': 'illegible' means impossible or hard to read (referring to handwriting or print), whereas 'ineligible' means not qualified or entitled to do or receive something.

• Rhymes for illegible

• Nearby Words

illegalize
illegally
illegibility
illegible
illegibly
illegitimacy
illegitimate

Word Origin & Etymology

From Late Latin illegibilis, formed from the assimilative negative prefix in- ('not') and legibilis ('able to be read'), from legere ('to read').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Illegible. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/illegible
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