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

One turnaround midrange jumper from Howard caught nothing but backboard and was borderline inexplicable. —Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 5 June 2026

Her inexplicable refusal to ever participate in analysis despite her admiration of Jung sets her apart, as does her independent leadership of Eranos. —Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026

Which was widely panned for its unrealistic plot, laughable dialogue, and inexplicable plotting. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026

That’s inexplicable given the severe consequences in an urban area. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 27 May 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