It's called illegible handwriting.
Understanding Illegible Handwriting
When someone's handwriting is difficult or impossible to decipher, we describe it as illegible. This means the writing is unreadable. The word itself comes from the Latin roots "in-" (not) and "legible" (readable). Therefore, illegible literally means "not readable."
Many factors contribute to illegible handwriting. These include:
- Poor penmanship: A lack of practice or skill in forming letters correctly.
- Unconventional letter formations: Creating letters in ways that deviate significantly from standard forms.
- Small or cramped writing: Making letters and words too small and close together.
- Messy or inconsistent writing: Inconsistent sizing, spacing, and letter formations.
- Use of unusual abbreviations or symbols: Employing personalized shortcuts that aren't universally understood.
Understanding illegibility is important for effective communication. If you encounter illegible handwriting, consider:
- Asking the writer to clarify: The simplest solution is often to politely request a clearer version.
- Using assistive technology: Certain apps can attempt to decipher handwritten text.
- Practice recognizing the writer's style: Familiarity with an individual's handwriting can improve your ability to understand it over time.
The example provided, /ɪˈlɛdʒɪbəl/ When your friend scribbles a note to you and you can't figure out what it says, it's because her handwriting is **illegible** — it's unreadable, perfectly illustrates the meaning and use of the word.
