# inexplicably

/ˌɪnɪksˈpɫɪkəbɫi/ (US) · /ˌɪnɛksplˈɪkəbli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inexplicably
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

in a way that is impossible to explain or understand. You use this when something happens for no clear reason.

For teachers: in a manner that cannot be explained, accounted for, or understood.

## Examples

- The car inexplicably stopped in the middle of the road.
- After years of successful operation, the local bakery inexplicably closed its doors without any warning to the staff.
- The ancient manuscript, which had been kept under strict security for decades, inexplicably vanished from its display case during the briefest lapse in surveillance.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.

---

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.