Unreadably: meaning, definitions and examples

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unreadably

[ʌnˈrɪdəblɪ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

writing quality

Unreadably means in a manner that cannot be read or understood due to poor handwriting, formatting, or obscurity. It describes text that is extremely difficult to read, often because of the author's style or the medium used.

Synonyms

illegibly, incomprehensibly, indecipherably.

Examples of usage

The note was written so unreadably that no one could decipher it.
His handwriting was unreadably messy on the test paper.
The font choice was so elaborate that it became unreadably confusing.
The instructions were presented unreadably, leading to many errors.
The manuscript was unreadably edited, making it frustrating for reviewers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The prefix 'un-' means 'not', and 'read' comes from Old English 'rǣdan', meaning 'to advise or explain'.
The suffix '-ably' is used to form adverbs indicating the ability to do something, created from Latin roots.
Combining these elements creates a word that describes the inability to read something due to its obscurity.

Literature

Writers occasionally use unreadable fonts or styles to evoke feelings like confusion or chaos in their work.
Some books or documents, especially hand-written ones, have become unreadable over time due to fading or damage.
Famous authors sometimes purposefully use complex language to challenge readers and provoke thought.

Psychology

Human brain processes text through multiple pathways; unreadability can lead to frustration and cognitive overload.
Stress and distractions can make even simple texts feel unreadable, showing how mood impacts our ability to comprehend.
Research suggests that difficulty in reading can reduce overall comprehension, affecting education and communication efficiency.

Technology

In the age of digital communication, unreadability can result from poor design choices in websites and apps.
Software developers often test the readability of code to improve efficiency and ensure others can understand their work.
Text-to-speech technology faces challenges when dealing with unreadable handwriting or poorly formatted text.