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Definition of indecipherable

indecipherable

/ˌɪndɪˈsaɪfərəbəl/
in · de · ci · pher · a · ble
Adverb:indecipherably
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indecipherable Lexical Profile

indecipherable Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Impossible to read, decode, or make out clearly, especially of handwriting, symbols, or faded text.

Example

"The physician's hurried handwriting on the prescription pad was completely indecipherable to the pharmacist."

2

Impossible to understand, interpret, or make sense of, such as a muffled sound, a complex situation, or a person's facial expression.

Example

"She listened with an indecipherable expression on her face, giving no hint of whether she agreed with the proposal."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for indecipherable

• Nearby Words

indecent
indecently
indecipherability
indecipherable
indecipherably
indecision
indecisive

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 18th century by adding the negative prefix 'in-' to 'decipherable', which ultimately traces back to the Arabic word 'ṣifr' (meaning 'empty' or 'zero') via French 'déchiffrer'.

Cite this Entry

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