The words “incomprehensive,” “incomprehensible,” and “uncomprehensible” can easily be confused due to their similar appearances, but they have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. This lesson will clarify the differences between these terms and provide examples to illustrate their proper usage.
Incomprehensive
Definition:
“Incomprehensive” means incomplete, limited, or not thorough. It describes something that does not cover all necessary aspects or is lacking in scope.
Examples of use:
“The reviewers rejected the reference book as incomprehensive because it failed to cover key topics.”
“Her explanation of the process was incomprehensive, leaving out several important steps.”
“The guide was deemed incomprehensive as it only covered a fraction of the material needed for the exam.”
Incomprehensible (or Uncomprehensible)
Definition:
“Incomprehensible” (and the less common “uncomprehensible”) means something that cannot be understood due to complexity, poor communication, or lack of clarity. The word “uncomprehensible” is rarely used and is considered nonstandard; “incomprehensible” is the preferred term.
Examples of use:
“The writing was so poor that it was practically incomprehensible to the readers.”
“The technical jargon made the instructions incomprehensible to those unfamiliar with the subject.”
“His accent was so thick that his speech was nearly incomprehensible.”
“Incomprehensive” refers to something that is incomplete or not thorough, while “incomprehensible” (or the nonstandard “uncomprehensible”) describes something that cannot be understood. Understanding the difference between these terms helps in choosing the right word to convey the intended meaning in various contexts.
