inarticulate

[ in-ahr-tik-yuh-lit ]

adjective

1. lacking the ability to express oneself, especially in clear and effective speech:

   an inarticulate public speaker.

2. unable to use articulate speech:

   inarticulate with rage.

   Synonyms: dumb, mute

3. not articulate; not uttered or emitted with expressive or intelligible modulations:

   His mouth stuffed, he could utter only inarticulate sounds.

4. not fully expressed or expressible:

   a voice choked with inarticulate agony.

5. Anatomy, Zoology. not jointed; having no articulation or joint.

inarticulate

/ ˌɪnɑːˈtɪkjʊlɪt /

adjective

1. unable to express oneself fluently or clearly; incoherent
2. (of speech, language, etc) unclear or incomprehensible; unintelligible

   inarticulate grunts

3. unable to speak; dumb
4. unable to be expressed; unvoiced

   inarticulate suffering

5. biology having no joints, segments, or articulation

Derived Forms

• ˌinarˈticulateness, noun
• ˌinarˈticulately, adverb

Other Words From

• inar·ticu·late·ly adverb
• inar·ticu·late·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inarticulate¹

From the Late Latin word inarticulātus, dating back to 1595–1605. See in- ³, articulate

Example Sentences

There’s more to this inarticulate cadet than his handsome exterior, though it will take some time for even the discerning Cyrano to recognize his subordinate’s distinction and to acknowledge his way with words.

From Los Angeles Times

He accused her, in effect, of what’s known in other circles as being “inarticulate while Black.”

From Salon

It’s notable that being “inarticulate” does not seem to disqualify white politicians, as we know from the “misunderestimated” George W. Bush.

From Salon

Kamala Harris did not get elected a district attorney, an attorney general, a senator, and a vice president by being inarticulate.

From Salon

One of two Black contestants chosen for that season in 2010, Folkes was insulted that Trump had called him inarticulate and accused him of illiteracy in a lengthy boardroom tirade minutes earlier.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• incoherent