ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unexplained

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌənɪksˈpɫeɪnd// UK //ˌʌnɛksplˈeɪnd// un·ex·plained

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.


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.

Origin

From un- + explained.

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.

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