inevitably
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnˈɛvɪtəbli/
US
- /ˌɪˈnɛvətəbli/
Description
- unavoidably
- certainly
- inescapably
- predictably
- without fail
Just as winter inevitably follows autumn, some things are simply bound to happen. If you spend all day building a tower of blocks, it will inevitably fall over—it's just the nature of wobbly towers! The word suggests that an event is certain to occur as a natural result of circumstances. You might say that with enough practice, you will inevitably succeed, or that if you push someone far enough, they will inevitably react.
The word hints at a chain reaction: one thing leads to another until a specific outcome must happen. Think of it like dominoes falling—once the first one goes, the rest are inevitably going down with it. It's a much stronger term than simply saying something is "probable" or "likely."
"Inevitably" describes the way an event occurs when it is certain to happen; it is used for outcomes that are unavoidable and bound to take place as a natural consequence of circumstances. It's not just probable or likely; it points to something that follows with clear force from the situation. The word often carries a sense of resignation or acceptance, showing that an outcome cannot be stopped, even if it is not desirable.
You might read in a history book that war would inevitably break out given the rising tensions between nations. Or perhaps you tell a friend, "If you keep skipping classes, you will inevitably fail the course." It suggests a logical progression where one set of events must lead to another.
"Inevitably" isn't usually about fate in a mystical sense; it's more about the logic of cause and effect. For example, if the conditions stay the same, pressure in a bad system will inevitably lead to problems. However, it can also be used when the outcome is complex or less predictable but still feels unavoidable because of human nature or social pressure. For example: "With so many people vying for the same job, there was inevitably disappointment for some."
The word often appears in narratives to foreshadow events or explain outcomes that seem predetermined by previous actions. It's a powerful way to convey a sense of destiny or consequence. When something happens inevitably, it doesn't just happen—it has to happen, given the circumstances at play.
Examples
- 1
Travel
If we leave at six, we'll inevitably get stuck in traffic.
- 2
Device wear
After enough use, the battery will inevitably lose some power.
- 3
Service quality
Cutting costs that sharply will inevitably affect the quality of the service.
- 4
Close collaboration
When two people work closely together, they inevitably start to influence each other.
- 5
Discussion topic
The discussion inevitably turned to money.
- 6
Hidden truth
He tried to keep it secret, but the truth inevitably came out.
- 7
Customer reaction
Inevitably, some customers complained about the price increase.
- 8
Work planning
The delay today will inevitably mean more work tomorrow.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- inevitablyadverb