Inscrutable

Inscrutable describes something that is impossible to understand or interpret; perplexing. It often applies to people, expressions, or situations that conceal inner thoughts, feelings, or meanings, leaving an observer baffled. The opacity can be intentional, masking secrets, or unintentional, simply reflecting a complex or ambiguous reality. The term implies a lack of clear signals or clues to decipher the underlying nature of the subject, creating a sense of mystery or bewilderment.

Inscrutable meaning with examples

• The detective stared at the crime scene, the arrangement of objects presenting an inscrutable puzzle. No obvious motives or patterns emerged, leaving him struggling to piece together the events that transpired. He found himself utterly unable to form a reasonable theory.
• Her face, typically animated, was now an inscrutable mask. I tried to read her, to understand what was troubling her, but her expression revealed nothing. It was an impenetrable barrier to the emotions that I knew were likely bubbling underneath.
• The ancient hieroglyphs presented an inscrutable challenge to the novice archaeologist. After many years of study, some of them are still not fully translated. The meanings, though undoubtedly present, remained stubbornly hidden from his eager eyes.
• Despite extensive negotiations, the company's motives for the merger remained inscrutable to the public. Skeptics questioned the hidden agenda, unsure of how to interpret the carefully worded press releases and the evasive answers given by management.