What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
indecipherable
Example
The writing on the ancient scroll was indecipherable. [indecipherable: adjective]
Example
The encrypted message was indecipherable without the proper key. [indecipherable: adjective]
inscrutable
Example
The detective found the suspect's motives inscrutable. [inscrutable: adjective]
Example
The ancient artifact's purpose remained inscrutable despite years of study. [inscrutable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inscrutable is more commonly used than indecipherable in everyday language. Inscrutable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while indecipherable is less common and refers to a specific type of difficulty in understanding.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between indecipherable and inscrutable?
Both indecipherable and inscrutable are formal words that are typically used in academic or technical contexts. However, indecipherable may be considered more technical or specialized due to its association with codes and encryption.
