Indecipherable

Indecipherable describes something that is impossible or extremely difficult to read, understand, or interpret. This can apply to a variety of things, from handwritten notes and coded messages to abstract art and complex scientific theories. The difficulty stems from a lack of clarity, ambiguousness, or a fundamental inaccessibility of the underlying meaning or structure. It can also involve the use of obscure symbols, unfamiliar language, or a deliberate obfuscation. The term highlights the failure of conventional methods of understanding, requiring specialized knowledge, tools, or alternative approaches to potentially unlock its meaning. The degree of indecipherability can range from mildly confusing to utterly impenetrable.

Indecipherable meaning with examples

• The doctor’s handwriting on the prescription was completely indecipherable; the pharmacist had to call to clarify the medication and dosage. The illegible scrawl proved a frustrating obstacle. Fortunately, the pharmacist could interpret and help resolve the issue, preventing potential medication errors, despite the notes' inherent ambiguity.
• The coded message, with its complex cipher and unfamiliar symbols, remained Indecipherable despite the detective’s best efforts. Hours of study and investigation yielded no clue on how to break the code. The secrets locked away would remain untold and unsolved without a code breaker.
• The ancient hieroglyphs on the temple walls presented an Indecipherable puzzle for centuries until archaeologists discovered the Rosetta Stone. Through tireless efforts, the ancient language could finally be translated and its secrets revealed.
• The avant-garde artist's work was often described as indecipherable; critics and the public struggled to understand its meaning and purpose. Its unusual presentation and style created great discourse and dialogue.
• The highly technical jargon used in the software manual made it Indecipherable for the average user. Without detailed knowledge of the domain, the instructions were useless.