inarticulate

The definition of inarticulate is something or someone lacking clarity of speech.

(adjective)

A person who fumbles over his words and cannot explain himself is an example of someone who would be described as inarticulate.

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See inarticulate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. produced without the normal articulation of understandable speech: said of vocal sounds: an inarticulate cry
    1. not able to speak, as because of strong emotion; mute
    2. not able to speak understandably, effectively, or coherently
  2. not expressed or able to be expressed: inarticulate passion
  3. Zool. without joints, segments, hinges, or valves

Origin: LL inarticulatus: see in- & articulate

Related Forms:

See inarticulate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Uttered without the use of normal words or syllables; incomprehensible as speech or language: “a cry . . . that . . . sank down into an inarticulate whine” (Jack London).
  2. Unable to speak; speechless: inarticulate with astonishment.
  3. Unable to speak with clarity or eloquence: an inarticulate debater.
  4. Going unexpressed: inarticulate sorrow.
  5. Biology Not having joints or segments.

Related Forms:

  • inˌar·ticˈu·late·ly adverb
  • inˌar·ticˈu·late·ness, inˌar·ticˈu·la·cy (-lə-sē) noun

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