Word
unexplainable
Phoneticsun·ex·plain·able
US/ˌənɪksˈpɫeɪnəbəɫ/
UK/ˌʌnɛksplˈeɪnəbəl/
Definition
adj. impossible to explain, even when you try hard to find a clear reason.
adj. incapable of being explained or accounted for through reason, evidence, or known causes. Often modified by degree adverbs such as 'completely' or 'almost'.
Examples
“Her sudden fear of water feels unexplainable to her family.”
“The doctors call his quick recovery unexplainable because all his test results were still poor.”
“The committee left the sudden market swing as unexplainable after models based on trade data and investor mood failed to predict it.”
Examples
simple
“Her sudden fear of water feels unexplainable to her family.”
contextual
“The doctors call his quick recovery unexplainable because all his test results were still poor.”
complex
“The committee left the sudden market swing as unexplainable after models based on trade data and investor mood failed to predict it.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unexplainable” in context.
Verb
01. appear unexplainable
“The decision appears unexplainable until you know the facts.”
verb + adj
02. consider unexplainable
“The police considered the suspect's behaviour unexplainable.”
verb + adj
03. deem unexplainable
“The committee deemed the election result unexplainable.”
verb + adj
04. find unexplainable
“Doctors found his symptoms completely unexplainable.”
verb + adj
05. remain unexplainable
“Despite the investigation, the cause remains unexplainable.”
verb + adj
Adjective
06. almost unexplainable
“The speed of his recovery was almost unexplainable.”
adv + adj
07. completely unexplainable
“The test results were completely unexplainable at first.”
adv + adj
08. a totally unexplainable phenomenon
“Ball lightning was once a totally unexplainable phenomenon.”
09. an unexplainable fear of
“He developed an unexplainable fear of open water.”
10. for some unexplainable reason
“For some unexplainable reason, the car started on its own.”
11. remain completely unexplainable
“Even after many tests, her illness remains completely unexplainable.”
12. seem almost unexplainable at first
“Many magic tricks seem almost unexplainable at first.”
Usage
Usable both before a noun and after linking verbs such as 'seem' or 'remain'.
Real-World Examples
“If anything were unexplainable, there’d be a grave risk that human enquiry is ultimately futile.” “But for many people, tinnitus is unexplainable; an irritating noise that starts and persists without any clear physiological explanation.” “The apparently unexplainable cure of a paralysed sailor more than a century ago has been officially declared a miracle by church authorities.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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