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

It is the inevitable result of the growing national debt and higher interest rates.

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In the chaotic world of college sports, where everything is in flux, the only inevitable thing is that March Madness will eventually expand.

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By the time Alcaraz worked his way to match point, the outcome had felt inevitable for a while, despite Sinner saving his championship twice.

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This is inevitable, since the captors also spend time in the tunnel, albeit in an adjacent room that is much more comfortable.

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And since coverage in parks is rare—a tree sometimes—all the skaters usually huddle in the same shady place, making chitchat inevitable.

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Related Words

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