Ilegible vs. Illegible: The Correct Spellings
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Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on April 2, 2024
"Ilegible" is incorrect; the correct spelling is "illegible." Illegible refers to writing or print that is difficult or impossible to read.
![Ilegible vs. Illegible](/images/ilegible-vs-illegible-13468.webp)
Which is correct: Ilegible or Illegible
How to spell Illegible?
Incorrect Spelling
Ilegible
![](/assets/images/incorrect.webp)
Correct Spelling
Illegible
![](/assets/images/correct.webp)
Is it Ilegible or Illegible
Associate "illegible" with "illogical" for both starting with "il-" and having a negative connotation.
![](/avatar/d3f8944e8d1f98dee9b9d0a1432920f6.webp?s=32)
Jonathan
Apr 02, 2024
Remember "illegible" has two "l"s, similar to "illegal," which also denotes something negative.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
The prefix "il-" means "not," and "legible" means readable; together, they indicate "not readable."
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
Think of "illegible" as having an "extra l" for the extra difficulty in reading it.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Apr 02, 2024
How Do You Spell Illegible Correctly?
Incorrect: She found the ancient manuscript completely ilegible.
Correct: She found the ancient manuscript completely illegible.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Apr 02, 2024
Incorrect: The doctor's notes were ilegible.
Correct: The doctor's notes were illegible.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
Incorrect: The signature on the painting was ilegible.
Correct: The signature on the painting was illegible.
![](/avatar/ae313c93dd6e27d7b02ef2c3d2277a73.webp?s=32)
Levi
Apr 02, 2024
Incorrect: The instructions were written in an ilegible scrawl.
Correct: The instructions were written in an illegible scrawl.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
Incorrect: Ilegible handwriting is hard to read.
Correct: Illegible handwriting is hard to read.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
Illegible Definitions
Hard to interpret or understand because of poor presentation.
The map's labels are illegible in this print.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Not clear enough to be read; unreadable.
The note was so smudged it became illegible.
![](/avatar/438343ddd941eb8b019f1159ea9e898f.webp?s=32)
William
Feb 26, 2024
Impossible to read due to poor handwriting or print quality.
The prescription was illegible.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 26, 2024
Not legible or decipherable.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 20, 2024
Not clear enough to be read; unreadable; not legible or decipherable.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 20, 2024
Incapable of being read; not legible; as, illegible handwriting; an illegible inscription.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 20, 2024
Illegible Meaning in a Sentence
The message was so illegible that we couldn't decipher it.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
The ancient text is illegible without the aid of special tools.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
Her handwriting is so illegible that even she can't read it sometimes.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
After the spill, the ink on the page was smeared and illegible.
![](/avatar/d13364820554b3411ca201b8752c5a13.webp?s=32)
Olivia
Apr 02, 2024
He tried to read the ancient script, but it was too illegible.
![](/avatar/e94c640f6617b7c972b08f66c5142741.webp?s=32)
Elijah
Apr 02, 2024
Teachers often complain that students' essays are illegible.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
The sign was old and weathered, making the words completely illegible.
![](/avatar/d13364820554b3411ca201b8752c5a13.webp?s=32)
Olivia
Apr 02, 2024
The graffiti was largely illegible to those who passed by.
![](/avatar/e94c640f6617b7c972b08f66c5142741.webp?s=32)
Elijah
Apr 02, 2024
They found an old diary in the attic, but it was illegible.
![](/avatar/611d44465cf0b7681fd48c39620a5e5a.webp?s=32)
Lucas
Apr 02, 2024
The typewriter ribbon was so faint that it rendered the letter illegible.
![](/avatar/611d44465cf0b7681fd48c39620a5e5a.webp?s=32)
Lucas
Apr 02, 2024
Despite his best efforts, his journal entries remained largely illegible.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
The faded lettering on the tombstone was illegible.
![](/avatar/affabbb1ddf86a34c9a10cc77cd1f92b.webp?s=32)
Leo
Apr 02, 2024
The instructions on the back of the medicine bottle were illegible.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
The watermark made the document illegible.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
The historical manuscript is valuable, even though it's largely illegible.
![](/avatar/438343ddd941eb8b019f1159ea9e898f.webp?s=32)
William
Apr 02, 2024
The carving was worn down over time, making the inscription illegible.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
Due to the smudge, his phone number was illegible.
![](/avatar/121111c1e6649d6a6567e1c12c17223f.webp?s=32)
Kaitlyn
Apr 02, 2024
The handwriting on the old postcard is charming but illegible.
![](/avatar/ae313c93dd6e27d7b02ef2c3d2277a73.webp?s=32)
Levi
Apr 02, 2024
She received a post-it note with an illegible reminder.
![](/avatar/e94c640f6617b7c972b08f66c5142741.webp?s=32)
Elijah
Apr 02, 2024
His excitement was evident in his rushed, illegible signature.
![](/avatar/ae313c93dd6e27d7b02ef2c3d2277a73.webp?s=32)
Levi
Apr 02, 2024
The message left in the dust was illegible.
![](/avatar/955a996d655424d02d83a7b00f724016.webp?s=32)
Muazma Batool
Apr 02, 2024
Without her glasses, the text was completely illegible to her.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
The old painting's caption was illegible to the visitors.
![](/avatar/d3f8944e8d1f98dee9b9d0a1432920f6.webp?s=32)
Jonathan
Apr 02, 2024
The code was scribbled so hastily that it was illegible.
![](/avatar/611d44465cf0b7681fd48c39620a5e5a.webp?s=32)
Lucas
Apr 02, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What does illegible mean?
Illegible refers to text that is so poorly written or faded that it cannot be read.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
Are digital texts ever considered illegible?
Yes, if they are corrupted, poorly formatted, or use an unclear font, digital texts can be illegible.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
Can anything be done to make illegible text readable?
Sometimes, enhancing the contrast or using digital tools can make illegible text more readable.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
Can illegible writing be a sign of dysgraphia?
Yes, dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing abilities, often resulting in illegible handwriting.
![](/avatar/ae313c93dd6e27d7b02ef2c3d2277a73.webp?s=32)
Levi
Apr 02, 2024
Can technology help decipher illegible handwriting?
Yes, there are software programs designed to interpret and digitize handwritten texts, though results vary.
![](/avatar/121111c1e6649d6a6567e1c12c17223f.webp?s=32)
Kaitlyn
Apr 02, 2024
How can I improve my handwriting to avoid it being illegible?
Practice writing slowly and deliberately, focusing on forming each letter clearly.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
Is there a difference between unreadable and illegible?
Similar, "unreadable" can also refer to text that is difficult to understand, not just to read.
![](/avatar/611d44465cf0b7681fd48c39620a5e5a.webp?s=32)
Lucas
Apr 02, 2024
Can illegible writing be considered artistic?
In some contexts, such as abstract art, illegible writing is used intentionally for its aesthetic value.
![](/avatar/9a92bbf2630d5bb4535a9c27bc412a51.webp?s=32)
Henry
Apr 02, 2024
What makes a font illegible?
Poor design, excessive ornamentation, or very small size can make fonts difficult to read.
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Lucas
Apr 02, 2024
Are there professions skilled at reading illegible handwriting?
Yes, some professionals, such as archivists and forensic document examiners, specialize in interpreting difficult-to-read texts.
![](/avatar/611d44465cf0b7681fd48c39620a5e5a.webp?s=32)
Lucas
Apr 02, 2024
Why is some old handwriting considered illegible?
Changes in writing styles, fading, and damage over time can make historical documents difficult to read.
![](/avatar/a6bbbcf055177514dda9ea77a7145b57.webp?s=32)
Nolan
Apr 02, 2024
How does context help in reading illegible text?
Knowing the context can provide clues about likely words or phrases, aiding in deciphering the text.
![](/avatar/d13364820554b3411ca201b8752c5a13.webp?s=32)
Olivia
Apr 02, 2024
Can illegible writing affect academic performance?
Yes, if a student's handwriting is illegible, it can negatively impact grading and understanding of their work.
![](/avatar/a3e82a0f1184d3c78fba14886d97b223.webp?s=32)
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 02, 2024
Content Creators
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Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
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Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.