indistinct

American  

[in-di-stingkt] / ˌɪn dɪˈstɪŋkt /

adjective

1. not distinct; not clearly marked or defined.

   indistinct markings.

2. not clearly distinguishable or perceptible, as to the eye, ear, or mind.

   He heard an indistinct muttering.

   Synonyms:

   dim, clouded

3. not distinguishing clearly.

   After the accident he suffered from indistinct vision and faulty hearing.

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indistinct British  

/ ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋkt /

adjective

1. incapable of being clearly distinguished, as by the eyes, ears, or mind; not distinct

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Other Word Forms

• indistinctly adverb
• indistinctness noun

Etymology

Origin of indistinct

From the Latin word indistinctus, dating back to 1520–30. See in- ³, distinct

Example Sentences

The majority of its dozen tracks coast along with an agreeable yet lifeless electro-pop groove, with layered voices approximating the earnest and indistinct ballads of latter-day Coldplay.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

The photo we see today is grainy and indistinct.

From BBC • Aug. 2, 2025

When he finally opened his eyes, his language was minimal: a few indistinct words — possibly English, possibly Spanish — and nothing that sounded like a name.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2025

It's one of life's most defining moments -- that crucial step in embryonic development, when an indistinct ball of cells rearranges itself into the orderly three-layered structure that sets the stage for all to come.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2024

Opening the door, Isidore looked up and down the indistinct hall.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick