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Synonyms

inevitable

American  
[in-ev-i-tuh-buhl] / ɪnˈɛv ɪ tə bəl /

adjective

  1. unable to be avoided, evaded, or escaped; certain; fated.

    an inevitable conclusion.

    Synonyms:
    ineluctable, unavoidable
  2. sure to occur, happen, or come; unalterable.

    The inevitable end of human life is death.


noun

  1. that which is unavoidable.

inevitable British  
/ ɪnˈɛvɪtəbəl /

adjective

  1. unavoidable

  2. sure to happen; certain

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. something that is unavoidable

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of inevitable

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word inēvītābilis; see in- 3, evitable

Explanation

If something is inevitable, it will definitely happen, like death or tax season. Inevitable comes from the Latin word inevitabilis, which means unavoidable. If you say something is inevitable, you give the sense that no matter what scheme you come up with to get around it, it's going to happen sooner or later. You can use all the skin products you want, but wrinkles are inevitable.

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Vocabulary lists containing inevitable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One popular X account, Inevitable West - which I've investigated before and appears to be based outside the UK - shared clips of the protest and claimed "ALL of Britain backs these patriots".

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Inevitable as a condition for ending the war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Mr Musk has even responded to Inevitable West's posts on X.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2024

Inevitable or not, the Fegan drama — which “Fanatical” never quite resolves — led Tegan and Sara to back away from the highly exposed pop stardom they were approaching in 2015.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2024

I wrote about 24 sheets of a dialogue entitled 'Cleantes or on the Source and Inevitable Development of Philosophy.'

From The life and teaching of Karl Marx by Beer, M.

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