Definition

Something that is hard or impossible to explain or understand.

Example

The sudden disappearance of the plane remains inexplicable to investigators.

Conversation

Did you see that documentary about the ancient civilization?

Yeah, some of the things they discovered were truly inexplicable.

Right? It makes you wonder how much we still don't know.

Exactly! Some mysteries are just beyond our understanding.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inexplicable → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "explicare" (meaning to unfold or explain). The word "inexplicable" means something that cannot be unfolded or explained, hence it is beyond understanding.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not' ('in-') able to be 'explained' ('explicare') — that's why we call it inexplicable.

Visually Confused Words