inexplicable

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ex·​pli·​ca·​ble ˌi-nik-ˈspli-kə-bəl  (ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)spli- 

: incapable of being explained, interpreted, or accounted for

an inexplicable disappearance

inexplicability

ˌi-nik-ˌspli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

(ˌ)i-ˌnek-(ˌ)spli-

noun

inexplicableness

ˌi-nik-ˈspli-kə-bəl-nəs 

(ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)spli-

noun

inexplicably

ˌi-nik-ˈspli-kə-blē 

(ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)spli-

adverb

inexplicability

2 of 2

noun

in·​explicability (¦)in 

ən+

plural -es

: the quality of being inexplicable

Synonyms of inexplicable

Adjective

• unexplainable

Examples of inexplicable in a Sentence

Adjective

He had a series of seemingly inexplicable accidents.

an inexplicable desire for ice cream at two in the morning

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Remedy games encourage a kind of obsession and fascination from players, not just with inexplicable lore but with thick atmosphere. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

Since at least 1389, two vials purportedly containing the saint’s blood have been venerated in Naples because of their inexplicable ability to liquefy on his feast days. — Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

That series included a sack on the first play and, later, an inexplicable delay-of-game penalty coming out of a timeout. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

The defense lost the line of scrimmage and allowed a franchise-most in points and an inexplicable amount of yards (552). — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin inexplicabilis, from in- + explicabilis explicable

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inexplicable

• admissible
• immiscible
• permissible
• transmissible
• impermissible
• inadmissible
• indivisible
• miscible

Kids Definition

inexplicable

adjective

in·​ex·​pli·​ca·​ble ˌin-ik-ˈsplik-ə-bəl  (ˈ)in-ˈek-(ˌ)splik- 

: impossible to explain

an inexplicable mystery

inexplicability

ˌin-ik-ˌsplik-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

(ˌ)in-ˌek-(ˌ)splik-

noun

inexplicably

-blē 

adverb