inaudible

adjective

in·​au·​di·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈnȯ-də-bəl How to pronounce inaudible (audio)
: not audible
inaudible comments
inaudibility noun
inaudibly adverb

Did you know?

With its negative prefix in-, inaudible means the opposite of audible. What's clearly audible to you may be inaudible to your elderly grandfather. Modern spy technology can turn inaudible conversations into audible ones with the use of high-powered directional microphones, so if you think you're being spied on, make sure there's a lot of other noise around you. And if you don't want everyone around you to know you're bored, keep your sighs inaudible.

Examples of inaudible in a Sentence

She spoke so quietly that she was almost inaudible. The sound is inaudible to humans but can be heard by dogs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Viewers of the Liberty Ball performance had commented on technical issues that plagued Billy Ray’s set, leaving his guitar inaudible and forcing him to perform a cappella. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2025 Each of the waves is inaudible to the human ear if encountered on its own. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 18 Mar. 2025 These waves travel through the air like normal sound waves but are inaudible to people. Jiaxin Zhong, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025 Libby sniffles before turning the camera and walking ahead while Abby says something else, also inaudible, in the background. Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inaudible

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin inaudibilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin audibilis audible

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inaudible was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inaudible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inaudible. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

inaudible

adjective
in·​au·​di·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈȯd-ə-bəl How to pronounce inaudible (audio)
: impossible to hear : not audible
inaudibility noun
inaudibly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inaudible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!