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

Other kids might have defied the closures and gone anyway, but Anthony followed rules with inflexible intensity, Neal said, especially the ones he set for himself.

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He’d spent time with Nixon and found him abrasive and inflexible.

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None of the figures Mr. Hardman discusses, including Maximilien Robespierre, the provincial lawyer known for his inflexible character and unity of purpose, could break the pattern.

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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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Related Words

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