unexplained

adjective

un·​ex·​plained ˌən-ik-ˈsplānd How to pronounce unexplained (audio)
: not explained or accounted for
an unexplained error
an unexplained delay

Examples of unexplained in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Report a new lump, thickened area, persistent ulcer or unexplained bleeding promptly. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 20 Oct. 2026 The unexplained damage to the fence took place at the same airport where an attack with an explosives-laden drone was attempted in August. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 Watch for unexplained web addresses, encoded strings or commands that download and immediately execute remote scripts. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Watch for a new or unexplained lump in the breast or armpit, ongoing breast pain unrelated to the menstrual cycle, skin dimpling or redness, a newly inverted nipple or unexpected discharge and swelling in the lymph nodes near the arm or collarbone. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unexplained

Word History

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unexplained was in 1721

Rhymes for unexplained

See All Rhymes for unexplained

Browse Nearby Words

unexplainably
unexplained
unexplicit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unexplained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unexplained. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of milieu

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All