Unreadable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
unreadable
[สnหriหdษbl ]
Definition
text quality
The term 'unreadable' describes written text that is impossible to read or decipher due to poor handwriting, unclear print, or complex jargon. It can also refer to literature that is difficult to understand or engage with, often because of convoluted language or themes.
Synonyms
illegible, incomprehensible, indecipherable, opaque.
Examples of usage
- The doctor's handwriting is utterly unreadable.
- Her novel, while praised by critics, was deemed unreadable by the average reader.
- After several edits, the manuscript was still unreadable.
- The instructions were filled with technical jargon, rendering them unreadable.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many authors intentionally use 'unreadable' writing styles to provoke thought or challenge norms.
- Some poems and experimental literature might be labeled 'unreadable' due to their complex structure and abstract themes.
- Certain genres, like stream-of-consciousness, can be perceived as unreadable due to their flow of thoughts and lack of traditional punctuation.
Technology
- With advancements in text recognition software, what was once unreadable handwriting may be deciphered more easily now.
- In cybersecurity, unreadable code can signify encryption preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.
- File types that are unreadable without the proper software often create barriers to accessing information.
Psychology
- The concept of unreadable human behavior can stem from nonverbal cues being misinterpreted.
- In communication studies, messages can become unreadable due to the senderโs contextual assumptions, leading to misunderstandings.
- Cognitive overload can result in information becoming unreadable, as too much data can confuse rather than clarify.
Art
- Some modern art pieces might be described as unreadable because their meaning is not immediately clear or requires deeper interpretation.
- Artists often play with unreadability to evoke emotions or provoke discussions among viewers.
- Calligraphy can sometimes be intentionally unreadable to convey beauty over clarity, blending art with letters.
Origin of 'unreadable'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'un-' indicates a negation, derived from Old English.
- The word 'read' comes from the Old English 'rวฃdan,' which means to advise, guess, or interpret.
- The suffix '-able' implies capability, which has roots in the Old French language.
The word 'unreadable' is formed from the prefix 'un-' which denotes negation, coupled with the word 'readable.' The English language has roots in several language families, and the concept of reading dates back to the development of written language in ancient civilizations. The earliest forms of written communication included symbols and letters that have evolved over centuries. The addition of 'un-' to 'readable' signifies a quality that negates the ability to read, emphasizing difficulties in interpretation. This term gained usage as writing systems became more complex, particularly in academic or professional contexts where 'unreadable' could describe not just poor writing but also overly complex or highly specialized texts that are not easily accessible to the general public. Thus, 'unreadable' carries implications beyond just physical legibility and touches on the accessibility of written content.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #25,032, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 25029 worrisome
- 25030 scaring
- 25031 unadulterated
- 25032 unreadable
- 25033 torrid
- 25034 ablative
- 25035 undercutting
- ...