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 of unreadable

• 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

Putting his lean and sinewy physicality to disquieting use, McNairy makes Wilson both unreadable and coldly transparent, giving him equal parts menace and magnetism. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026

The inspections also showed customers' records disposed of without first being shredded or made unreadable in violation of California privacy laws, the lawsuit alleged. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Investigators said Marine One’s first attempt to contact the tower was not received and its second was broken and unreadable. — Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

But the air traffic controller said that transmission appeared broken and unreadable on his end, so the controller seemed surprised a few minutes later when the helicopter took off. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

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