incoherent

adjective

in·​co·​her·​ent ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ənt 

-ˈher-

: lacking coherence: such as

a

: lacking normal clarity or intelligibility in speech or thought

The fever made him incoherent.

b

: lacking orderly continuity, arrangement, or relevance : inconsistent

an incoherent essay

c

: lacking cohesion : loose

incoherently adverb

Did you know?

Something that is coherent holds or sticks together firmly, with resistance to separation (that is, it coheres). Coherent, ultimately from the Latin co- ("together") and haerēre ("to stick or cling"), entered English in the 16th century and almost from the beginning was used both of physical things ("coherent stone") and of things which hold together in a much less palpable way ("coherent thoughts"). Its antonym, incoherent, entered the language some decades later. Like coherent, incoherent can be applied to both the tangible and the intangible. But, whether we are speaking of sand or logic, all things incoherent have one thing in common: they do not hold together, literally or figuratively, in a unified or intelligible whole.

Synonyms of incoherent

• confusing
• inconsistent
• disjointed
• confused
• frustrating
• bizarre
• absurd
• disconnected
• ridiculous
• unconnected
• meaningless

Examples of incoherent in a Sentence

The fever made her incoherent.

He was very upset and practically incoherent after the accident.

The memo is completely incoherent.

Recent Examples on the Web

The big reveal that Rey was really the still-not-dead Emperor’s grand-daughter was incoherent and kind of insulting. — Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Moreover, whether intentional or the result of incoherent policy, ambiguity can allow both Washington and Tehran to claim wins. — Erik Lin-Greenberg, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026

How does Etna—who keeps close company with humans but is by definition marginalized by them—hold on to himself in the face of rank, incoherent brutalities? — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

England have a great coach and positive momentum after their knockout victories over DR Congo and Mexico, but in both matches, their front press looked incoherent and inconsistent. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for incoherent

• adherent
• coherent
• inherent

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Kids Definition

incoherent

adjective

in·​co·​her·​ent ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ənt 

-ˈher-

1

: not sticking closely or compactly together : loose

2

: not clearly or logically connected

told an incoherent story

3

: not clear or understandable in speech or thought

incoherent with grief

incoherently adverb

Medical Definition

incoherent

adjective

in·​co·​her·​ent -ənt 

: lacking clarity or intelligibility usually by reason of some emotional stress

incoherent speech

incoherently adverb