Inaudible
Not able to be heard; too quiet, distant, or muffled to be perceived by the ear.
adjectiveInaudible
Not able to be heard; too quiet, distant, or muffled to be perceived by the ear.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine you’re in a crowded stadium. A friend is trying to tell you something, but the roar of the crowd is so loud that their words never reach your ear. Their message is inaudible.
Sounds Like
in-AW-dih-buhl
Looks Like
in + audible (not audible)
Remember This
The prefix in- meaning 'not' combines with audible (able to be heard) to form inaudible. It describes sounds that exist but cannot be heard clearly due to volume, distance, or interference.
Other Forms
Connect With
audible (opposite), silent, unheard, muffled, hushed
Note
Do not confuse inaudible with unintelligible. Inaudible refers to a sound that cannot be heard, whereas unintelligible means it cannot be understood. Also, 'inaudibly' is the adverb form and 'inaudibility' is the noun form.
Study Deeper
- The speaker's words were almost inaudible above the roar of the crowd.
- Her whisper was inaudible in the noisy hallway.
From Latin in- (not) + audibilis (able to be heard), from audire (to hear).
IN + AUDIBLE = NOT ABLE TO BE HEARD. Picture a tiny switch next to the word 'AUDIO' flipped to OFF, so the sound is intentionally not heard.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
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adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
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adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.