adjective
inexplicable
in-ik-SPLIK-uh-bul/ˌɪnɪkˈsplɪkəbl/
Impossible or very difficult to explain.
The key's inexplicable hovering leaves the woman searching for hidden support.
Etymology
The pieces evoke something that cannot be unfolded or disentangled. Unfolding became an image for making a matter clear, so inexplicable describes something that resists explanation.
In context
To reach conclusiveness in it seemed as impossible as an attempt to scale an unending staircase in a nightmare. The facts were there, but they were inexplicable, or at least they stared at him with the aspect of many faces.
More examples
- Her sudden change of heart seems inexplicable.
- For some inexplicable reason, the clock runs backward.
- The team suffers an inexplicable loss after winning twelve straight games.
Forms
inexplicable
inexplicably adverb — in a way that defies explanation
inexplicability noun — the quality of being impossible to explain
Similar words
- unexplained
- Describes something not yet explained, though an explanation may exist.
- mysterious
- Suggests hidden causes or secrets that invite further investigation.
- incomprehensible
- Emphasizes difficulty understanding something rather than explaining its cause.