General terms:
* Illegible: This is the most common and basic term, meaning the writing cannot be read at all.
* Indecipherable: Similar to illegible, but emphasizes the impossibility of understanding the meaning even if the letters are recognized.
* Obscure: This suggests the writing is difficult to understand due to its complexity, unusual language, or hidden meaning.
* Cryptic: This implies a deliberate attempt to conceal the meaning, often using coded language or symbolism.
* Arcane: This refers to writing that is very old, specialized, or esoteric, making it difficult for most people to understand.
Specific difficulties:
* Poor handwriting: Unclear letters, inconsistent spacing, and messy lines can make writing difficult to read.
* Foreign language: Writing in an unknown language will be impossible to decipher without translation.
* Code or cipher: Intentional encryption makes writing undecipherable without the key.
* Slang or jargon: Specialized vocabulary can make writing confusing for those outside the group.
* Technical writing: Complex language and concepts can make technical writing difficult to understand.
Examples of difficult writing:
* Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics: These complex symbols require specialized knowledge to decipher.
* The Voynich Manuscript: This mysterious book is written in an unknown language and alphabet.
* A doctor's handwriting: Known for its illegibility, even trained professionals can struggle to read it.
* A coded message: This writing is intentionally designed to be hidden from unauthorized readers.
The difficulty of deciphering writing can depend on the reader's knowledge, skills, and context. What may be indecipherable to one person might be clear to another.