inevitable

[in-ev-i-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. unable to be avoided, evaded, or escaped; certain; fated.

   an inevitable conclusion.

   Synonyms: ineluctable, unavoidable

2. sure to occur, happen, or come; unalterable.

   The inevitable end of human life is death.

noun

1. that which is unavoidable.

inevitable

/ ɪnˈɛvɪtəbəl /

adjective

1. unavoidable

2. sure to happen; certain

noun

1. something that is unavoidable

Other Word Forms

• inevitability noun
• inevitably adverb
• inevitableness noun
• quasi-inevitable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inevitable¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word inēvītābilis; in- ³, evitable

Word History and Origins

Origin of inevitable¹

C15: from Latin inēvītābilis, from _in- ¹ + ēvītābilis, from ēvītāre to shun, from vītāre to avoid

Example Sentences

So, to meet the chancellor's self-imposed constraints on debt and borrowing, tax rises appear to be inevitable in November.

From BBC

Or does global conflict and economic desperation make their continuing flow inevitable, with ebbs and flows in the numbers?

From BBC

It’s unfair yet inevitable, and “The Office” wins, though my favorite version of that show was the British version with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

From Los Angeles Times

But he said climate change meant it was "inevitable" wildfires would become more frequent in the future.

From BBC

The band said: "We're very sorry for the inevitable disappointment, frustration and inconvenience that this situation causes."

From BBC

Related Words

• imminent 
• impending 
• inescapable 
• inexorable 
• irresistible 
• necessary 
• unavoidable 
• undeniable