unexplainable
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌʌnɛksplˈeɪnəbəl/
US
- /ˌənɪksˈpleɪnəbəl/
Description
- Hard to explain
- Mysterious
- Beyond reason
Something unexplainable does not seem to have a clear reason or answer. It can be an event, a feeling, or a situation that people cannot fully make sense of, like a strange noise in an empty house, a sudden sense that something is wrong, or a strong feeling you cannot put into words.
Think of it as reaching a point where your search for answers stops. You ask "why?" and keep looking, but the reason still does not become clear. The word is often used for strange events, strong emotions, or personal experiences that feel bigger than ordinary explanation. A detective might describe details in a case as "unexplainable" if they do not fit the facts, while a poet might write about love as an "unexplainable force."
The word "unexplainable" describes something that cannot be explained or understood through known facts, logic, or reasoning. It suggests a mystery that resists all attempts at clarification. While we often use "inexplicable" and "unexplainable" interchangeably, "unexplainable" carries a slightly stronger sense of bewilderment—it's not just difficult to explain, but seemingly impossible.
You might encounter "unexplainable" when discussing paranormal phenomena like UFO sightings or ghostly encounters. A sudden feeling of déjà vu could be described as unexplainable. It can also apply to complex emotions or human experiences that defy easy categorization—the deep connection between a mother and child, for example, or the inexplicable pull you feel towards a certain place.
However, just because something is currently unexplainable doesn't mean it's supernatural or impossible to understand eventually. Often, "unexplainable" simply means we haven't discovered the explanation yet. Science constantly pushes the boundaries of our understanding, turning what was once considered mysterious into accepted fact.
But sometimes, some things remain beautifully, wonderfully unexplainable—a reminder that not everything in life needs to be neatly categorized and understood. It's in those moments of mystery that we often find wonder and awe.
Examples
- 1
Initial mystery
The sudden power failure was unexplainable at first.
- 2
Emotional reaction
She felt an unexplainable sadness when she walked back into her old school.
- 3
Strange behavior
For some unexplainable reason, the dog refused to go near the lake that day.
- 4
Personal connection
There was an unexplainable connection between them from the moment they met.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unexplainableadjective