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

c

: impossible to interpret

The expression on her face was unreadable.

d

: not enjoyable or interesting enough to engage the reader

an unreadable novel

Synonyms

• illegible
• indecipherable
• undecipherable

Examples of unreadable in a Sentence

the old book contains an inscription, but the handwriting is cramped and unreadable

Recent Examples on the Web

Rosado was arrested and charged with engaging police in pursuit, evading responsibility, failure to obey stop sign, reckless driving, unreadable license plates, interfering with an officer, possession with intent to sell narcotics and operating a drug factory. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 17 Dec. 2024

Basically, the book of enchantments is an ancient tome with mysterious origins that is unreadable to almost everyone in Oz. —Megan McCluskey, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024

Libra September 23 – October 22 People may prove unreliable or unreadable to you at this time. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Sep. 2024

What Is Data Encryption? Data encryption is the process of converting readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using a cryptographic key. —Ofer Lidsky, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1655, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unreadable

adjective

un·​read·​able

ˌən-ˈrēd-ə-bəl,

ˈən-

1

: too dull or unattractive to read

a long, unreadable essay

2

: illegible

unreadable handwriting