What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idiopathic
Example
The doctor diagnosed the patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. [idiopathic: adjective]
Example
The cause of the patient's seizures was idiopathic, with no apparent reason or trigger. [idiopathic: adjective]
unexplained
Example
The sudden disappearance of the hiker remains unexplained. [unexplained: adjective]
Example
The patient's chronic fatigue syndrome was unexplained, with no identifiable cause or trigger. [unexplained: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unexplained is more commonly used than idiopathic in everyday language. Unexplained is a versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts, while idiopathic is a more specialized term used primarily in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between idiopathic and unexplained?
Idiopathic is a more technical and formal term, while unexplained is a more casual and accessible term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
