unexplained

adjective

un·​ex·​plained ˌən-ik-ˈsplānd 

: not explained or accounted for

an unexplained error

an unexplained delay

Examples of unexplained in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Someone who has experienced a substantial or unexplained decline in mobility should bring it up with their healthcare provider to see if this is due to a reversible underlying cause. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Astronomers have long known that Betelgeuse has an unexplained six-year-long periodic fluctuation in its brightness in addition to its less dramatic 400-day cycle. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026

When a disgraced priest begins having supernatural visions of the missing women, agents Mulder and Scully come out of retirement to take on another case full of mysteries and unexplained events. — Brett Tingley, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Area residents who discover unexplained wounds on their pets should also reach out to report the injuries. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unexplained

• foreordained
• unascertained
• abstained
• arraigned
• attained
• bloodstained
• campaigned
• complained
• constrained
• contained
• curtained
• detained