ineloquent

[ in-el-uh-kwuhnt ]

adjective

1. not eloquent.

ineloquent

/ ɪnˈɛləkwənt /

adjective

1. lacking eloquence or fluency of expression

Derived Forms

• inˈeloquently, adverb
• inˈeloquence, noun

Other Words From

• in·elo·quence noun
• in·elo·quent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ineloquent¹

First recorded in 1520–30, ineloquent is from the Late Latin word inēloquent- (stem of inēloquēns ). See in- ³, eloquent

Example Sentences

McKenna described his remarks to his staff as “ineloquent” and “imprecise,” and said he understood why people outside the office “might take offense.”

From Los Angeles Times

In his brief best period, it seemed that Basquiat couldn’t make an ineloquent mark, even by accident; his way with color, banging strong hues off against predominant black, rarely failed.

From The New Yorker

To the ear of a good chunk of GOP voters, he talks with an ineloquent authenticity that is the opposite of the candidate-speak people hear from other candidates, including his rivals.

From Washington Times

“One American can relish hugely the entertainment afforded when one quizzical Englishman chaffs his shy, ineloquent countrymen without expecting all other Americans to shake with laughter at the same spectacle,” Woollcott wrote.

From New York Times

As he pounds out his ineloquent thoughts, he reads along: “You are a lone reed waving in the breeze, standing strong and tall in the corrupt sands of commerce.”

From The New Yorker