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

---

noun

1. something that is unavoidable

Other Word Forms

• inevitability
  noun
• inevitableness
  noun
• quasi-inevitable
  adjective
• inevitably
  adverb

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.

Related Words

• imminent
• impending
• inescapable
• inexorable
• irresistible
• necessary
• unavoidable
• undeniable