What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unscannable
Example
The document was unscannable due to the low resolution of the image. [unscannable: adjective]
Example
The barcode on the product was unscannable, so the cashier had to enter the code manually. [unscannable: adjective]
unreadable
Example
The letter was unreadable because the ink had smudged. [unreadable: adjective]
Example
The file was corrupted, and the data was unreadable. [unreadable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unreadable is more commonly used than unscannable in everyday language. Unreadable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unscannable is less common and is mainly used in technical or digital contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unscannable and unreadable?
Both unscannable and unreadable are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
