Unintelligible

Unintelligible describes something that is impossible or extremely difficult to understand. This can apply to speech, writing, sounds, or any form of communication or expression that lacks clarity, coherence, or meaning. The core characteristic is a failure to convey a clear message to the intended receiver. Factors contributing to unintelligibility include garbled language, ambiguous wording, excessive technical jargon, or simply a chaotic or disorganized presentation. The receiver might struggle to discern any pattern or connection, leaving them completely lost and unable to grasp the information being presented. It often results in confusion, frustration, and the breakdown of communication.

Unintelligible meaning with examples

• The speaker's hurried delivery and mumbled words made his presentation almost completely unintelligible. The audience strained to catch individual words, but the rapid-fire pace and lack of enunciation rendered the entire speech a blur of sounds. Many attendees simply gave up trying to decipher the meaning, leading to a disengaged atmosphere and a lost opportunity to share important information effectively.
• Reading through the technical manual was an exercise in frustration; the complex diagrams and unintelligible prose made it almost impossible to assemble the device. The instructions assumed a level of pre-existing knowledge that the average user lacked, leading to confusion and a sense of being overwhelmed by the jargon and complicated steps. It would have been easier to learn through trial and error.
• The strange noises emanating from the old radio were completely unintelligible, a mix of static, distorted voices, and crackling sounds. The signals seemed to be scrambling making it impossible to distinguish between the spoken words or decode any potential transmission. No amount of adjustment or tuning could clarify the sounds creating a sense of mystery and frustration for the radio enthusiast.
• After the accident, his speech became slurred and unintelligible; family and friends struggled to understand him. The damage to his brain affected his ability to articulate his thoughts and form coherent sentences. Simple requests took time to decipher, and the frustration created a barrier to clear communication. Doctors worked to help restore clarity to speech, but it will take time to overcome the issue.