illegible

adjective

il·​leg·​i·​ble (ˌ)i(l)-ˈle-jə-bəl How to pronounce illegible (audio)
Synonyms of illegiblenext
: not legible : indecipherable
illegible writing
illegibly adverb

Examples of illegible in a Sentence

illegible signatures on the petition will be disregarded
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The anxiety is rooted in the mundane rather than the arch and limns how such mental strife makes others illegible to you. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025 No illegible, incomplete, forged or altered entries will be accepted. Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2025 The vehicle identification number is included on the form but was sometimes illegible or redacted. Dave Altimari, ProPublica, 16 Nov. 2025 Simon managed to keep scribbling on his yellow legal pad but his handwriting, illegible on a good day, quickly deteriorated into nothing more than chicken scratch. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illegible

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of illegible was in 1580

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Cite this Entry

“Illegible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illegible. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

illegible

adjective
il·​leg·​i·​ble (ˈ)il-ˈ(l)ej-ə-bəl How to pronounce illegible (audio)
: impossible or very hard to read
illegible handwriting
illegibly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on illegible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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