indistinct

adjective

in·​dis·​tinct ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ(k)t 

: not distinct: such as

a

: not sharply outlined or separable : blurred

indistinct figures in the fog

b

: faint, dim

an indistinct light in the distance

c

: not clearly recognizable or understandable : uncertain

indistinctly

ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ(k)t-lē 

-ˈstiŋ-klē

adverb

indistinctness

ˌin-di-ˈstiŋ(k)t-nəs 

-ˈstiŋk-nəs

noun

Synonyms

• blear
• bleary
• blurry
• dim
• faint
• foggy
• fuzzy
• gauzy
• hazy
• indefinite
• indistinguishable
• misty
• murky
• nebulous
• obscure
• opaque
• pale
• shadowy
• unclear
• undefined
• undetermined
• vague

Examples of indistinct in a Sentence

indistinct figures in the fog

managed to discern a blurry, indistinct shadow through the downpour

Recent Examples on the Web

The jury faulted the track design and believed Smalls should have tried to stop the train earlier, after seeing an indistinct reflection on the tracks ahead of him, the Journal News reported. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 18 July 2024

Combined, these minerals give the stone an indistinct solidity, as if seen through a blurred lens. —Ellyn Gaydos, Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2024

Although the track feels full, the deepest notes from the progression at the 34-second mark sound weak and indistinct. —Mark Knapp, PCMAG, 5 June 2024

The picture is bright, though some high-contrast shots of silhouetted objects show slightly muddy or washed-out shadow details; the contours of a lioness against a sunset are slightly indistinct, while trees against a stormy sky are a bit too light. —PCMAG, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin indistinctus, from in- + distinctus distinct

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

indistinct

adjective

in·​dis·​tinct ˌin-dis-ˈtiŋ(k)t 

: not distinct or clear

indistinct figures in the fog

a far-off indistinct light

indistinctly adverb

indistinctness noun