inarticulate
adjective C2
Plain meaning
unable to express ideas clearly in words
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe unable to express ideas clearly in words, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalHis response sounded inarticulate, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a inarticulate assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a inarticulate responseinarticulate behavioura inarticulate situation
Watch out
Do not use “very inarticulate” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family
inarticulateness (noun, where natural)inarticulately (adverb, where natural)