inevitable

[in-ev-i-tuh-buhl]

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

/ ɪnˈɛvɪtəbəl /

adjective

1. unavoidable

2. sure to happen; certain

noun

1. something that is unavoidable

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of inevitable¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of inevitable¹

C15: from Latin inēvītābilis, from _in- ¹ + ēvītābilis, from ēvītāre to shun, from vītāre to avoid

Example Sentences

Watching the Scarlets number eight trudge off to the sin-bin seemed inevitable after the amount of penalties he conceded in a chastening afternoon.

Read more on BBC

The boos from England's fans were inevitable - the subsequent chants too.

Read more on BBC

But the majority — those who craved as much “Harry Potter” as possible before the series’ inevitable end; those who would blindly spend their money on anything “Potter” — were elated.

Read more on Salon

The score marches ahead in a manner that makes progress seem, if not inevitable, relentless in its pursuit of justice.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And, if you thought the gondola was less of a transit option and more of an inevitable first step toward McCourt’s development of the Dodger Stadium parking lots, then you probably still think that.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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