inexplicable

[ in-ik-splik-uh-buhl, in-ek-spli-kuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not explicable; incapable of being accounted for or explained.

   Synonyms: mysterious, unaccountable

inexplicable

/ ɪnˈɛksplɪkəbəl; ˌɪnɪkˈsplɪkəbəl /

adjective

1. not capable of explanation; unexplainable

Derived Forms

• ˌinexˈplicably, adverb
• ˌinexplicaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• in·ex·pli·ca·bil·i·ty [in-ik-splik-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee] in·ex·pli·ca·ble·ness noun
• in·ex·pli·ca·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inexplicable¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Latin word inexplicābilis. See in- ³, explicable

Example Sentences

On one level, you can understand this - many of these inexplicable assaults on the community are copycat in nature.

From BBC

Stormont’s Economy Minister Conor Murphy said it was “inexplicable” the references were provided and Sinn Féin had only became aware of them the previous week.

From BBC

Now they work at the Yankees’ official merchandise store and told me that fans still wanted to buy Aaron Judge jerseys despite his inexplicable ineptitude at the plate — but they wanted half off.

From Los Angeles Times

Cole initially broke toward first base to cover but inexplicably stopped between the mound and the bag, hanging Rizzo out to dry.

From Los Angeles Times

They wanted to see his explanation of the inexplicable, to understand why he shot the fluorescent lighting out in the editorial board room of the paper whose banner reads “Democracy Dies in Darkness.”

From Salon

Related Words

• baffling
• incomprehensible
• mysterious
• mystifying
• odd
• peculiar
• puzzling
• strange
• unaccountable
• unfathomable