inarticulacy

noun

in·​ar·​tic·​u·​la·​cy ˌi-(ˌ)när-ˈti-kyə-lə-sē How to pronounce inarticulacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being inarticulate

Examples of inarticulacy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The series builds scene after scene on the blustery pleasures of its characters’ inarticulacy and delivers a virtual dissertation on unwarranted bravado. Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 17 June 2023 Yanique inhabits many of their divergent points of view, among them that of young Earl, who becomes Fly, and somewhat less convincingly that of Mermaid, Stela’s mother, who curses incessantly and veers between relative inarticulacy and unexpected eloquence. Claire Messud, Harper's Magazine, 28 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inarticulacy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inarticulacy was in 1921

Dictionary Entries Near inarticulacy

Cite this Entry

“Inarticulacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inarticulacy. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

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