indecipherable

adjective

in·​de·​ci·​pher·​able ˌin-di-ˈsī-f(ə-)rə-bəl 

: incapable of being deciphered

indecipherable writing

an indecipherable message

indecipherably

ˌin-di-ˈsī-f(ə-)rə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of indecipherable

• illegible

Examples of indecipherable in a Sentence

His handwriting is almost indecipherable.

after so many years the paper label in the drawer of the antique desk is indecipherable

Recent Examples on the Web

Roach posted video of the confrontation on X, most of which is indecipherable due to crosstalk. — Ashley Grams, CBS News, 15 May 2026

In Islamabad, the almost indecipherable whisper of leaks has turned to crickets. — Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026

But the messy sound rendered his singing indecipherable, a problem that persisted throughout the 2-hour and 45-minute performance. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 14 June 2026

The final submission—a six-line poem from Akil—was cryptic, nearly indecipherable. — Literary Hub, 11 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above