Learner's definition of EXPLANATION
the act or process of making something clear or easy to understand
the act or process of telling, showing, or being the reason for or cause of something
She declined the offer without (further) explanation.
Some of his actions defy explanation. [=cannot be explained]
The company offered little by way of explanation for the delays. [=as a way of explaining why there were delays]
something (such as a statement or fact) that explains something
— often + for or of
Did the company offer an explanation for the delays?
There are several possible explanations for the current oil shortage.
a likely/probable/possible/plausible explanation of how the accident occurred