unreadable

adjective

un·​read·​able ˌən-ˈrē-də-bəl 

: not readable: such as

a

: not decipherable : illegible

unreadable handwriting

b

: impossible to read and understand : incomprehensible

… a flawed, unreadable, misleading bill that garnered support based on propaganda and clever—but false—talking points.

—Marilyn M. Singleton

c

: impossible to interpret

The expression on her face was unreadable.

d

: not enjoyable or interesting enough to engage the reader

an unreadable novel

Synonyms

• illegible

Examples of unreadable in a Sentence

the old book contains an inscription, but the handwriting is cramped and unreadable

Recent Examples on the Web

The serial number on the rifle was obliterated and unreadable. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025

Cloud services protect your data using encryption, which makes information unreadable to unauthorized users. —Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025

To some extent, the script takes pains to keep Alma unreadable. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Aug. 2025

Older generations scanned me from head to toe, their expressions unreadable but heavy with judgment. —Larry Stansbury, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1655, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unreadable

• readable

Kids Definition

unreadable

adjective

un·​read·​able

ˌən-ˈrēd-ə-bəl,

ˈən-

1

: too dull or unattractive to read

a long, unreadable essay

2

: illegible

unreadable handwriting