WordGarden.ioinevitable
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnˈɛvɪtəbəl/
US
- /ˌɪˈnɛvətəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
certain to happen and impossible to avoid
Beyond the definition
Think of a river flowing toward the sea—it will reach its destination, no matter what obstacles are in its path. That's what this word means. It describes something that is certain to happen and cannot be stopped. Sometimes it refers to basic facts of life, like the sun rising each morning. Other times, it describes a result that follows from what came before, like a team losing after making the same mistake again and again.
The word hints at something being part of the natural order of events—a result that simply must come. It is stronger than "likely" or "probable"; it expresses real certainty.
"Inevitable" describes something that is certain to happen; unavoidable and impossible to prevent. It suggests an event is dictated by the natural course of things, fate, or a chain of cause and effect. A classic example is the famous saying: "Death and taxes are inevitable," highlighting two realities that every person must eventually face.
The feeling of inevitability can be powerful—sometimes comforting, sometimes frightening. If you've made a series of poor choices, you might feel an inevitable downfall approaching. Conversely, if you have worked tirelessly toward a goal, success may feel inevitable as you get closer to achieving it.
Historically, the word comes from the Latin inevitabilis, meaning "not to be avoided." This root emphasizes the lack of control over the event in question. It is not simply something that will probably happen; it will happen, regardless of one's efforts to the contrary.
"Inevitable" isn't used lightly. It implies a high degree of certainty and often carries a sense of destiny or predetermination. You wouldn't say, "It's inevitable I'll eat pizza tonight," unless you were absolutely committed to that course of action! Instead, it is reserved for events with significant weight and unavoidable consequences—the unfolding of fate, the march of time, or the logical outcome of a series of actions.
Examples
- 1
Weather forecast
With so many dark clouds moving in, rain seemed inevitable.
- 2
Language learning
A few mistakes are an inevitable part of learning a new language.
- 3
Rising costs
With costs rising so quickly, a price increase was inevitable.
- 4
Business closure
After months of poor sales, it became inevitable that the store would close.
- Patternit is inevitable that ...
this result cannot be avoided
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace conflict
Some conflict is inevitable when people work closely together.
- 6
Working overnight
Fatigue is almost inevitable if you work through the night.
- 7
Difficult topic
Everyone knew the inevitable was coming, but no one wanted to talk about it.
- Phrasethe inevitable
the thing everyone expects to happen
- 8
Relationship ending
In the end, the inevitable happened and they decided to separate.
- Phrasethe inevitable happened
the expected result finally happened
See also
Similar
- unavoidable
- inescapable
- bound to happen
Shades of meaning
- inexorable
- predestined
- foregone conclusion
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- inevitable consequence
- inevitable outcome
- it was inevitable that
- seem inevitable
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- inevitablenounadjective
Forms
- inevitablespluralnounadjective