Word
unexplained
Phoneticsun·ex·plained, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənɪksˈpɫeɪnd/
UK/ˌʌnɛksplˈeɪnd/
Definition
adj. describing something that has no clear reason or cause. You use this when nobody can find a logical way to explain what happened.
adj. lacking a known cause, reason, or explanation. Often used to describe mysterious phenomena or sudden changes in data.
Examples
“The police are investigating his unexplained disappearance.”
“The scientists were baffled by the unexplained drop in temperature during the experiment.”
“While most of the symptoms were typical for the virus, the patient exhibited several unexplained neurological signs that suggested a more complex underlying condition.”
Examples
simple
“The police are investigating his unexplained disappearance.”
contextual
“The scientists were baffled by the unexplained drop in temperature during the experiment.”
complex
“While most of the symptoms were typical for the virus, the patient exhibited several unexplained neurological signs that suggested a more complex underlying condition.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; when used predicatively, it often follows 'remain' or 'be'.
Pitfall
The reason was unexplained of.
The reason was unexplained.
Learners sometimes try to add a preposition like 'of' or 'about' after the adjective, but it is typically used alone.
Real-World Examples
“Doctors are being asked to watch out for patients with unexplained fever who work in and around the airport.” “By far the most common is heavy or unexplained bleeding.” Etymology
From un- + explained.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unexplained