inexplicable

USAGE SUMMARY

'inexplicable' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when something is not easily understandable and you cannot explain why it is the way it is. Example: The success of the new product launch was inexplicable - no one could explain why it was such a hit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The slightest ambiguities, the most inexplicable transpositions of ideas take place.

The Guardian - Books

Nor is it an inexplicable peculiarity that people with no reliable source of income had shelled out what little they had, and more, on Tiens products.

The Guardian

"It was an inexplicable day for all of us," offered Willian.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, this has been such an inexplicable success that I'm now working on a second batch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The teacher – I still remember his name and face – was also the school's deputy principal, and for some inexplicable reason revelled in calling me "Potato Tomato" instead of Paola Totaro.

The Guardian - Opinion

And that's because, by some genuinely inexplicable reason that might be more down to witchcraft than anything else, The Jump turned out to be actually quite good.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

'Island time' covers a multitude of delays and inexplicable hold-ups, which at first baffles but then it slowly seeps under your skin.

The Guardian - Travel

Having a metal bolt appear to fall towards me is just showing off (not to mention inexplicable to those watching in 2D).

The Guardian - Film

"It was more than inexplicable how the Korean team had been admitted," wrote Puskas.

The Guardian - Sport

But there have also been a lot of inexplicable references.

The Guardian

The bleakness of "Boule de Suif" is typical of Maupassant, who considered life "brutal, incoherent, disjointed, full of inexplicable, illogical and contradictory disasters".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "inexplicable" when a simple 'I don't know' would suffice. The word implies more than just a lack of knowledge; it suggests a deeper mystery.

Common error

Don't use "inexplicable" simply because you don't currently have an explanation. Reserve it for situations where the lack of explanation is a notable or significant aspect of the situation.

Linguistic Context

Inexplicable functions primarily as an adjective. It is used to describe nouns, indicating that they are impossible to explain or understand. Ludwig examples show its use in describing events, reasons, and feelings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "inexplicable" is an adjective used to describe something that is impossible to explain or understand. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and suitable for use in diverse contexts, primarily in news, business, and scientific domains. When using "inexplicable", it's essential to ensure that it accurately reflects the situation's inherent mystery or the impossibility of finding an explanation, rather than a simple lack of current knowledge. Similar terms include "unaccountable", "unexplainable", and "incomprehensible", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexplainable

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the inability to provide an explanation.

unaccountable

This alternative suggests a lack of accountability or justification, shifting the focus from explanation to responsibility.

lacking explanation

This focuses directly on the absence of an explanation, rather than the inherent nature of the thing itself.

incomprehensible

This term highlights the difficulty in understanding something, rather than the inability to explain it.

beyond comprehension

This phrase emphasizes that the subject is impossible to grasp or understand.

unfathomable

This suggests something is too deep or complex to be understood.

baffling

This term suggests confusion and bewilderment, focusing on the effect on the observer.

puzzling

Similar to baffling, this highlights the perplexing nature of something.

bewildering

This alternative emphasizes the state of confusion and disorientation caused by something.

mysterious

This alternative implies an element of intrigue or secrecy, beyond just a lack of explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "inexplicable" in a sentence?

You can use "inexplicable" to describe something that cannot be explained or understood. For example, "The sudden market crash was "inexplicable"" or "There was an "inexplicable" delay."

What words are similar to "inexplicable"?

Similar words include "unaccountable", "unexplainable", "incomprehensible", and "mysterious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "inexplicable" rather than simply saying something is 'unexplained'?

"Inexplicable" suggests a deeper sense of mystery or impossibility of explanation, while 'unexplained' simply means that no explanation has been provided yet. Use "inexplicable" when the lack of explanation is itself a significant aspect.

Is "inexplicable" a formal or informal word?

"Inexplicable" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the subject matter and intended tone rather than the setting.