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.

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noun

1. that which is unavoidable.

inevitable British  

/ ɪnˈɛvɪtəbəl /

adjective

1. unavoidable

2. sure to happen; certain

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noun

1. something that is unavoidable

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of inevitable

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

Example Sentences

Some of this friction is inevitable; care tasks are cyclical, after all, and no system abolishes effort entirely.

From Salon

Hygiene Bank chief executive Ruth Brock said: "This is not an inevitable part of life in Britain – together, with government, businesses and communities, we can and must end it."

From BBC

Throughout their careers, that current crop have made century-making feel inevitable.

From BBC

The mission was the culmination of months of secretive planning—and a series of mixed signals—that allowed the U.S. to preserve the element of surprise, even though the attack at times seemed inevitable.

From The Wall Street Journal

That experience resonates with Lesley Cooper, the CEO of a consultancy business, who says it's "inevitable that there is reluctance about ending time off and getting back into a routine".

From BBC

Related Words

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