What does unintelligibly mean?
“Unintelligibly” is an adverb meaning “in a way that cannot be understood.” It is commonly used to describe speech that is heavily accented, mumbled, distorted, or confused, though it can also modify writing, behaviour, and other forms of communication when the intended meaning is impossible to make out. The word combines “un-” with “intelligible,” giving it a formal and often critical tone: saying that someone spoke unintelligibly usually implies that the problem was unusually severe rather than merely that the listener missed a word. In everyday use, the adverb can suggest comic or chaotic communication, especially in stories, reports, and descriptions of difficult experiences. It is useful when the central point is not the content of the communication but the fact that it resists comprehension.
adverbIn a way that cannot be understood or comprehended. It describes speech, writing, behaviour, or other communication that is too confused, obscure, distorted, or difficult to interpret.
- In a manner that cannot be understood or comprehended.
"The witness spoke so unintelligibly that the officer could not determine what had happened."
"She muttered unintelligibly and then fell silent."
"The instructions were written so unintelligibly that nobody could assemble the device."
When an explanation fails, “unintelligibly” captures both the problem and the performance: it may be unclear, but it can also be wonderfully theatrical.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unintelligibly come from?
The word was formed by adding the standard English adverbial suffix “-ly” to “unintelligible.” “Unintelligible” combines the prefix “un-” with “intelligible,” which comes from Latin “intelligere,” meaning “to understand,” built from “in-” and “legere,” “to gather” or “read.” The same Latin root underlies related English words such as “intelligence,” “intellect,” and “intellectual.”
How unintelligibly is actually used
This is a formal and relatively literary adverb. It is often used to describe speech that is badly pronounced, excessively mumbled, confused, or otherwise impossible to follow, and it can convey criticism or bewilderment in addition to simple lack of intelligibility.
Easily confused with unintelligibly
“Unintelligibly” can describe speech or any form of communication that cannot be understood, whereas “illegibly” specifically describes writing that cannot be read or deciphered.