unreadable
adjective
un·read·able
ˌən-ˈrē-də-bəl 
: not readable: such as
a
: not decipherable : illegible
unreadable handwriting
b
: impossible to read and understand : incomprehensible
… a flawed, unreadable, misleading bill that garnered support based on propaganda and clever—but false—talking points.—
Marilyn M. Singleton
Marilyn M. Singleton
c
: impossible to interpret
The expression on her face was unreadable.
d
: not enjoyable or interesting enough to engage the reader
an unreadable novel
Examples of unreadable in a Sentence
the old book contains an inscription, but the handwriting is cramped and unreadable
Recent Examples on the Web
The gun was loaded with 11 rounds, according to court filings, and the serial number on the rifle was obliterated and unreadable.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 23 Sep. 2024
The second charge alleges that the weapon’s serial number was obliterated and unreadable to the naked eye, which is a violation of federal law.
—Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Sep. 2024
Even if a language was unreadable, a good paleographer could spot small, stylistic tells distinguishing one scribe from the next.
—Ariel Sabar, The Atlantic, 8 Aug. 2024
The revolver’s serial number had been ground off and was unreadable.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 1 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unreadable 
Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 23 Sep. 2024
The second charge alleges that the weapon’s serial number was obliterated and unreadable to the naked eye, which is a violation of federal law.
—Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Sep. 2024
Even if a language was unreadable, a good paleographer could spot small, stylistic tells distinguishing one scribe from the next.
—Ariel Sabar, The Atlantic, 8 Aug. 2024
The revolver’s serial number had been ground off and was unreadable.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 1 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unreadable
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unreadable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to unreadable
Dictionary Entries Near unreadable
Cite this Entry
“Unreadable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unreadable. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share