Unexplained: meaning, definitions and examples

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unexplained

 

[ ˌʌnɪkˈspleɪnd ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

mystery

Not able to be explained or understood.

Synonyms

inexplicable, puzzling, unfathomable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unexplained

Use this word when something has not been provided a reason or cause, often in everyday situations.

  • The cause of the fire is still unexplained.
  • He had an unexplained absence from work.
inexplicable

This word is best used when something seems impossible to explain or understand, often in more formal or serious contexts.

  • Her sudden decision to leave was inexplicable to everyone.
  • The inexplicable events left the scientists baffled.
puzzling

Use this word when referring to something that is confusing and difficult to understand, often carrying a sense of curiosity.

  • The disappearance of the keys is quite puzzling.
  • The results of the experiment were puzzling.
unfathomable

This word suits contexts where something is incredibly difficult to understand or measure, often suggesting a depth or complexity.

  • The depths of the ocean are unfathomable.
  • Her sorrow was unfathomable.

Examples of usage

  • The sudden disappearance of the plane remains unexplained.
  • There was an unexplained noise coming from the attic.
Context #2 | Noun

lack of explanation

The condition of not being explained; a lack of clarity or understanding.

Synonyms

enigma, mystery, puzzle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unexplained

This word is often used when something lacks a clear reason or justification. It's suitable for formal or academic settings and is frequently used in scientific contexts.

  • The disappearance of the plane remains unexplained.
  • The scientist was puzzled by the unexplained phenomenon.
mystery

This word is used widely and can refer to anything that is not easily understood or explained. It's suitable for both casual and formal use and can be applied to situations ranging from everyday life to literary and academic contexts.

  • The cause of the strange illness was a mystery to the doctors.
  • The novel's plot was full of twists and mystery.
enigma

This word is typically used to describe something or someone that is mysterious and hard to understand. It usually carries an aura of intrigue and is often used in literary or poetic contexts.

  • She was an enigma to everyone who tried to understand her.
  • The ancient script posed an enigma to the archaeologists.
puzzle

This word is often used to describe a problem or situation that is difficult to understand or solve. It is somewhat casual and can imply a challenge that invites effort to be resolved.

  • The puzzle of the missing keys was finally solved.
  • He spent hours trying to figure out the puzzle.

Examples of usage

  • The unexplained of events led to confusion.
  • The unexplained in the report raised suspicion.

Translations

Translations of the word "unexplained" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inexplicado

🇮🇳 अव्याख्येय

🇩🇪 unerklärt

🇮🇩 tidak dijelaskan

🇺🇦 непояснений

🇵🇱 niewyjaśniony

🇯🇵 説明されていない

🇫🇷 inexpliqué

🇪🇸 inexplicado

🇹🇷 açıklanmamış

🇰🇷 설명되지 않은

🇸🇦 غير مفسر

🇨🇿 nevysvětlený

🇸🇰 nevysvetlený

🇨🇳 未解释的

🇸🇮 nepojasnjen

🇮🇸 óútskýrt

🇰🇿 түсіндірілмеген

🇬🇪 განმარტების გარეშე

🇦🇿 izah edilməyən

🇲🇽 inexplicado

Etymology

The word 'unexplained' originates from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle of 'explain'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of unexplained phenomena has always intrigued humans, leading to various theories and speculations throughout history.

See also: explainable, explained, explainer, explanations, explanative, explanatory, inexplicable, inexplicably, unexplainable, unexplainableness, unexplainably.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,466, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.