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
• inflexibly adverb
• inflexibleness noun

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

“The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act is a blunt instrument that threatens the future of the Morongo Basin and other desert communities by imposing costly, inflexible regulations,” Rowe said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

A decentralized, low-cost, flexible cottage industry will likely be transformed into a centralized, high-cost, inflexible cash cow for the merchants of death.

From Salon

I don’t mean that we are trapped in an inflexible pattern of endlessly repeating historical cycles, as in the more esoteric propositions of Vico and Nietzsche.

From Salon

She said the funding reinforces an outdated and inflexible immigration system without fundamentally changing it.

From Los Angeles Times

Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body, and so symptons can include involuntary shaking, slow movement, and stiff and inflexible muscles; as well as depression and anxiety.

From BBC

Related Words

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