indiscernible

[ in-di-sur-nuh-buhl, -zur- ]

adjective

1. not discernible; that cannot be seen or perceived clearly; imperceptible.

indiscernible

/ ˌɪndɪˈsɜːnəbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being discerned
2. scarcely discernible or perceptible

Derived Forms

• ˌindisˈcernibly, adverb
• ˌindisˈcernibleness, noun

Other Words From

• indis·cerni·ble·ness indis·cerni·bili·ty noun
• indis·cerni·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indiscernible¹

First recorded in 1625–35; in- ³ + discernible

Example Sentences

The eggs failed to hatch and the contents of six of them were indiscernible.

From Scientific American

“This looks so good,” the 33-year-old coos, flashing a grin indiscernible from her more cloying online characters.

From Los Angeles Times

Today’s scam ads are often indiscernible from legitimate listings, and can appear on reputable job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, as well as in your inbox as phishing attacks.

From Seattle Times

The change would be indiscernible for most of us, in practical terms.

From New York Times

“I have … imagined him smiling to himself, indiscernible to the outside world,” Lear writes, “and thinking, ‘I’ve given that little fellow something to think about for the rest of his life.’”

From Washington Post