inarticulate

[in-ahr-tik-yuh-lit] / ˌɪn ɑrˈtɪk yə lɪt /

ADJECTIVE

unable to speak well

Synonyms

STRONGEST

incoherent

WEAK

blurred dumb faltering halting hesitant hesitating inaudible incomprehensible indistinct maundering muffled mumbled mumbling mute obscure reticent silent speechless stammering tongue-tied unclear unintelligible unspoken unuttered unvocal unvoiced vague voiceless wordless

Antonyms

WEAK

articulate communicative

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The inarticulate betrayal in the film is that Todd isn’t making good decisions for anyone.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025

He has suffered for us, in his endearingly inarticulate fashion.

From Salon • Nov. 18, 2023

And they seek others who share their general, inarticulate uneasiness.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2023

Set in 1981, the story is dated by design to evoke a less permissive, more inarticulate era.

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2022

Feebly, without arguments, with nothing to support him except his inarticulate horror of what O’Brien had said, he returned to the attack.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Vocabulary lists containing inarticulate

Lord of the Flies

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"The Diary of Anne Frank," Vocabulary from the drama

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The Miracle Worker

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!