inexplicable

adjective

in·​ex·​pli·​ca·​ble ˌi-nik-ˈspli-kə-bəl  (ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)spli- 

: incapable of being explained, interpreted, or accounted for

an inexplicable disappearance

inexplicability

ˌi-nik-ˌspli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

(ˌ)i-ˌnek-(ˌ)spli-

noun

inexplicableness

ˌi-nik-ˈspli-kə-bəl-nəs 

(ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)spli-

noun

inexplicably

ˌi-nik-ˈspli-kə-blē 

(ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)spli-

adverb

Synonyms

• inexplainable
• unaccountable
• unexplainable

Examples of inexplicable in a Sentence

He had a series of seemingly inexplicable accidents.

an inexplicable desire for ice cream at two in the morning

Recent Examples on the Web

His confidence, never wavering through an uneven six weeks, had given way to confusion after USC fell, 29-28, to Maryland, its most inexplicable defeat to date. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2024

In a sketch mocking Céline Dion’s recent, inexplicable promo for Sunday Night Football, the chameleonic chanteuse absolutely nails Dion’s French Canadian accent, inflections, vocal tics, and confidence. —Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024

As for whether their inexplicable attachment means his days as a free man are numbered remains to be seen. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024

Comments Horror thrives in abstract spaces — the unknown, the unreal, the inexplicable, the irrational. —Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inexplicabilis, from in- + explicabilis explicable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inexplicable

adjective

in·​ex·​pli·​ca·​ble ˌin-ik-ˈsplik-ə-bəl  (ˈ)in-ˈek-(ˌ)splik- 

: impossible to explain

an inexplicable mystery

inexplicability

ˌin-ik-ˌsplik-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

(ˌ)in-ˌek-(ˌ)splik-

noun

inexplicably

-blē 

adverb