This is the 806th most frequent Russian word.
никак
"Никак" means "in no way," "by no means," or "not at all."
Here, 'никак' is used to show the impossibility or difficulty in achieving understanding regarding the task.
Я никак не могу разобраться с этой задачей.
I just can't figure out this task.
'Никак' here emphasizes the complete absence of response or reaction to the remark.
Он никак не отреагировал на мое замечание.
He didn't react to my remark at all.
In this context, 'никак' strongly negates the possibility or permissibility of being late.