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

Economists have warned for years that such a crisis is inevitable.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But these infirmities are not inevitable, and in recent years doctors have learned a lot more about how to prevent dementia.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As Neil Shearing, group chief economist at Capital Economics, puts it: “There are no magic thresholds for either public debt or budget deficits beyond which fiscal crises become inevitable.”

Read more on Barron's

"Change now seems inevitable," he will say, calling on voters to back his party if they want to stop Nigel Farage's Reform UK from winning the election.

Read more on BBC

Economic growth is shrinking, and job losses in key industries appear inevitable.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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