inflexible
Americanadjective
-
not flexible; incapable of or resistant to being bent; rigid.
an inflexible steel rod.
- Synonyms:
- stiff, unbendable
-
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
-
not permitting change or variation; unalterable.
inflexible rules.
- Synonyms:
- undeviating
adjective
-
not flexible; rigid; stiff
-
obstinate; unyielding
-
without variation; unalterable; fixed
Synonym Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of inflexible
1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin inflexibilis “rigid, unbending.” See in- 3, flexible
Explanation
Something inflexible does not bend easily. A stiff back can make you inflexible, or unable to fold over and touch your toes. A really busy schedule can make you inflexible or unable to bend or accommodate your plans for others. Combine the Latin root words in- meaning "not" and flectere, "to bend" and you have the very meaning of inflexible: not able to bend. Ballet is not for the inflexible or those people who simply are not bendy by nature. Compromise also is not for the inflexible, or those who are really rigid or set in their ways.
Vocabulary lists containing inflexible
Resistance is Futile: Synonyms for "Stubborn"
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"Just Lather, That's All" and "The Woman Who Was Death"
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Hard Times
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The danger is that an inflexible rule would deter successful businesspeople from seeking office.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
"When teachers are required to enforce inflexible rules without the autonomy to apply professional judgement, routine interactions can slip into something far more damaging," she said.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026
A largely sedentary and inflexible creature, dependent on eucalyptus leaves for much of their water, koalas quickly develop dehydration when hotter conditions persist.
From Barron's ● May 26, 2026
“Market volatility isn’t going to ruin you. It’s that, plus inflexible spending, that is the problem,” she said.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 30, 2026
My fingers felt numb and inflexible, frozen around the shard as though my skin was just a glove for the dybbuk.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
