What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
untreadable
Example
The ink on this document is so faded that it's untreadable. [untreadable: adjective]
Example
The letter was torn and stained, making parts of it untreadable. [untreadable: adjective]
illegible
Example
His handwriting is so messy that it's illegible. [illegible: adjective]
Example
The ancient manuscript was written in a script that was completely illegible to me. [illegible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illegible is more commonly used than untreadable in everyday language. Illegible is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while untreadable is more technical and may be used in specific fields such as document preservation or restoration.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between untreadable and illegible?
Both untreadable and illegible are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
