indistinct

word

/ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋkt/
in-di-STINGKT
/ˌɪndɪstˈɪŋkt/
in-di-STINGKT

Definition

If something is indistinct, it is not clear or easy to see, hear, or understand. It usually means that something appears blurry, hard to recognize, or difficult to distinguish.

Usage & Nuances

Often used for unclear speech, sounds, or images. 'Indistinct' is more formal than 'blurry' or 'fuzzy'. Common collocations: 'indistinct voice', 'indistinct shape', 'indistinct memory'. Not used for things that are abstractly unclear, like ideas; use 'vague' for those.

Example Sentences

His words were indistinct in the noisy room.

basic

I have an indistinct memory of that day.

basic

Her voice grew indistinct as she walked away.

natural

The photo was too indistinct to recognize their faces.

basic

The writing on the old sign was so indistinct that we couldn’t read it.

natural

Everything outside looked indistinct through the fogged-up window.

natural