unexplainable

adjective

un·​ex·​plain·​able ˌən-ik-ˈsplā-nə-bəl How to pronounce unexplainable (audio)
: incapable of being explained : inexplicable, unaccountable
a seemingly unexplainable occurrence
unexplainable behavior
unexplainably adverb

Examples of unexplainable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The ability to move objects in cool and unexplainable ways, to break arms and ankles. Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 5 Mar. 2024 Brammer’s gift is his uncanny ability to put into words a feeling or an idea that feels unexplainable. Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2023 In almost every ancient culture in this region of the world, legends were created to explain the unexplainable. Debbie Olsen, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2023 Relief pitcher, starting pitcher, reliever again, part-time starter Nick Martinez attempted to explain the unexplainable. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2023 There’s no way to explain or justify how knuckle-dragging low the San Diego State football program feels after an unfathomable, unexplainable 6-0 loss to Nevada on Saturday. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2023 Celebs Who Have Had Actual Ghost Encounters According to Chacon, belief in unexplainable phenomena is on the rise. Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 14 Oct. 2023 These myths and legends are often used to explain the unexplainable in Latin American communities. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2023 Advertisement Books Los Angeles is refracted in all its irreducible, unexplainable glory in ‘Dear Los Angeles’ Nov. 30, 2018 That said, this collection — at least chronologically — comes second. David Kipen, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unexplainable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1711, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unexplainable was circa 1711

Dictionary Entries Near unexplainable

Cite this Entry

“Unexplainable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexplainable. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!