C1adjectivelanguage
US/ˌʌn.ɪnˈtel.ɪ.dʒə.bəl/
UK/ˌʌn.ɪnˈtel.ɪ.dʒə.bəl/
impossible to understand because it is unclear or badly spoken or written
In context
His speech was so fast and quiet that it was almost unintelligible.
The message on the answering machine was completely unintelligible.
The old manuscript is unintelligible to anyone who cannot read Latin.
Words that go with unintelligible
adverb + adjective
- almost unintelligibleThe recording was almost unintelligible.
- completely unintelligibleHer handwriting is completely unintelligible.
- virtually unintelligibleThe accent was virtually unintelligible to me.
adjective + preposition
- unintelligible toThe contract is unintelligible to most customers.
adjective + noun
- unintelligible speechStroke patients may produce unintelligible speech.
verb + adjective
- become unintelligibleHis words became unintelligible as he cried.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
His handwriting is unintelligent.Correct: His handwriting is unintelligible.