inflexible

[in-flek-suh-buhl]

adjective

1. not flexible; incapable of or resistant to being bent; rigid.

   an inflexible steel rod.

   Synonyms: stiff, unbendable

2. of a rigid or unyielding temper, purpose, will, etc.; immovable.

   an inflexible determination.

   Synonyms: adamant, unbending, obdurate, intractable, obstinate, stubborn, unremitting, unrelenting, stern, rigorous
   Antonyms: amenable

3. not permitting change or variation; unalterable.

   inflexible rules.

   Synonyms: undeviating

inflexible

/ ɪnˈflɛksəbəl /

adjective

1. not flexible; rigid; stiff

2. obstinate; unyielding

3. without variation; unalterable; fixed

Other Word Forms

• inflexibility noun
• inflexibleness noun
• inflexibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflexible¹

1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin inflexibilis “rigid, unbending.” See in- ³, flexible

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflexible¹

C14: from Latin inflexībilis; see _inflect

Synonym Study

Inflexible, relentless, implacable, inexorable imply having the quality of not being turned from a purpose. Inflexible means unbending, adhering undeviatingly to a set plan, purpose, or the like: inflexible in interpretation of rules; an inflexible will. Relentless suggests so pitiless and unremitting a pursuit of purpose as to convey a sense of inevitableness: as relentless as the passing of time. Implacable means incapable of being placated or appeased: implacable in wrath. Inexorable means unmoved by prayer or entreaty: inexorable in demanding payment.

Example Sentences

To Maxim Samson, a geographer, desire paths are small acts of disobedience, “a sign of defiance against inflexible design.”

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The defensive game plan was poorly conceived and stubbornly inflexible.

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“The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act is a blunt instrument that threatens the future of the Morongo Basin and other desert communities by imposing costly, inflexible regulations,” Rowe said in a statement.

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A decentralized, low-cost, flexible cottage industry will likely be transformed into a centralized, high-cost, inflexible cash cow for the merchants of death.

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I don’t mean that we are trapped in an inflexible pattern of endlessly repeating historical cycles, as in the more esoteric propositions of Vico and Nietzsche.

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Related Words

• adamant 
• immutable 
• intractable 
• obstinate 
• resolute 
• rigid 
• rigorous 
• steadfast 
• strict 
• stringent 
• uncompromising 
• unyielding