What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
illegible
Example
The note was illegible, and I couldn't make out what it said. [illegible: adjective]
Example
His handwriting was so bad that his notes were often illegible. [illegible: adjective]
indecipherable
Example
The ancient manuscript was indecipherable, and no one could read it. [indecipherable: adjective]
Example
Her accent was so thick that her words were indecipherable to me. [indecipherable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illegible is more commonly used than indecipherable in everyday language. Illegible is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while indecipherable is more technical and specialized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between illegible and indecipherable?
Both illegible and indecipherable are formal words that are typically used in academic, technical, or professional contexts. However, indecipherable is more technical and specialized than illegible, and may be less common in everyday language.
