inexplicado

Inexplicado is a Spanish adjective used to describe something that cannot be explained or has not yet been explained. It is used across scientific, journalistic, historical, and literary contexts to label phenomena, results, or events whose causes or mechanisms are unclear.

Etimology: The term comes from the prefix in- (negation) and the participle explicado from explicar, so it literally means “not explained.” It can also appear as lo inexplicado when used as a noun phrase to refer to what remains to be clarified.

Usage and nuances: In science, inexplicado marks unresolved questions rather than a claim that explanation is impossible; it signals that current theories do not account for a particular phenomenon. In journalism and history, it describes cases or gaps where causes are not yet understood. The exact connotation can vary by style and region, and in some contexts inexplicado may be replaced by no explicado or simply no se sabe.

Related terms: Inexplicable is a common synonym with a stronger emphasis on the sense that explanation is effectively unattainable. Other related words include misterioso, indescifrado, and the general antonyms explicable or claro. The choice between them depends on precision, tone, and regional usage.