What does inexplicable mean?
Ineffable, inexplicable, and incomprehensibility may sound alike, but inexplicable specifically describes something that cannot be explained or understood. It is commonly applied to unusual events, strange behavior, unexpected failures, and other phenomena for which no satisfactory account can be found. Although “unexplained” can mean merely that an explanation has not yet been offered, “inexplicable” more strongly implies that the phenomenon resists explanation altogether. In formal writing, the word can lend an event an atmosphere of mystery or abnormality: an inexplicable disappearance, an inexplicable failure, or inexplicable conduct. It is also used figuratively when people cannot understand why someone has acted in a particular way. The word comes through French and Latin from a structure meaning “not able to be unfolded,” reflecting the idea that the truth cannot be opened up or laid bare.
adjectiveUnable to be explained or understood. It describes events, behavior, or phenomena for which no adequate explanation or interpretation can be found.
- Impossible to explain or understand.
- Incapable of being interpreted or accounted for; used especially of events, behavior, failures, and phenomena.
"The sudden disappearance of the documents remained inexplicable despite weeks of investigation."
"Her account of the unexplained disappearance sounded plausible, but several details remained inexplicable."
"The delay was inexplicable, and investigators could identify no fault in the system."
Inexplicable literally means “not unfoldable”: it comes from a Latin word built on explicare, “to unfold,” the same root behind “explain” and “explicit.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inexplicable come from?
Ineffable and inexplicable are easily confused, but only “ineffable” appears here; “inexplicable” derives from Latin inexplicabilis, meaning “not explicable” or “not able to be explained.” That form was built on explicare, “to unfold, explain,” from ex- and plicare, “to fold.” English borrowed the Latin adjective in the early 17th century, and its relatives include explicable, explicate, explicit, and explicitness.
Related word forms
How inexplicable is actually used
The word is formal and often conveys that a thorough, reasonable explanation should exist but cannot be found. It is stronger and more suggestive of mystery than “unexplained,” which merely states that no explanation has been given.
Easily confused with inexplicable
An inexplicable event or behavior cannot be explained, whereas something inexplicit is not stated clearly or unambiguously.
Inexplicable means that something cannot be explained or understood, while ineffable means that it is too great or intense to be expressed in words.