# inexplicable

/ˌɪnəksˈpɫɪsəbəɫ/ (US) · /ˌɪnɛksplˈɪkəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inexplicable
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

impossible to explain or understand. You use this when something happens and there is no clear reason why.

For teachers: unable to be explained, accounted for, or understood through logic or reason. Often used to describe sudden changes in behavior or mysterious events.

## Examples

- The car suddenly stopped for an inexplicable reason.
- The team suffered an inexplicable loss despite being the heavy favorites to win the championship.
- The detective was haunted by the inexplicable disappearance of the witness, as there were no signs of a struggle and the security cameras showed nothing unusual.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'remain' or 'seem'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.