Search Dictionary
Definition of unintelligible

unintelligible

/ˌʌn.ɪnˈtɛl.ɪ.dʒə.bəl/
un · in · tel · li · gi · ble
Adverb:unintelligibly
JUMP TO:

unintelligible Lexical Profile

unintelligible Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Impossible to understand or comprehend, especially because of indistinct speech, illegible handwriting, or overly complex language.

Example

"The static on the radio made the pilot's transmission almost completely unintelligible."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for unintelligible
Antonyms
View all antonyms for unintelligible

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'unintelligible' (impossible to understand) with 'unintelligent' (lacking intelligence); a brilliant scholar's handwriting or technical jargon may be completely unintelligible to a layperson.

• Rhymes for unintelligible

• Nearby Words

unintellectual
unintelligent
unintelligently
unintelligible
unintelligibly
unintended
unintentional

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 16th century from the prefix 'un-' (not) and 'intelligible', which derives from the Latin 'intelligibilis' (capable of being understood), from 'intellegere' (to understand or perceive).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unintelligible. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unintelligible
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.