Definition
Inexorable means impossible to stop or prevent, or unable to be persuaded or moved by entreaty or prayer. It refers to something that is relentless, unyielding, or persistent.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Relentless, unyielding, unrelenting, implacable, inflexible, uncompromising, stubborn, unbending
Antonyms
Yielding, pliable, flexible, relenting, acquiescent
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | inexorabilities, inexorableness, inexorablenesses, inexorability |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | inexorable |
| Adverb | inexorably |
Example Sentences
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The judge was known for his inexorable rulings and did not hesitate to punish even the smallest of crimes.
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Despite the protesters’ best efforts, the construction of the new highway was inexorable, and the demolition of the old buildings was inevitable.
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The cancer diagnosis was a shocking and inexorable blow to the family, who had hoped for a speedy recovery.
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Despite numerous pleas, the inexorable march of time continued relentlessly.
Usage
The word “inexorable” is commonly used to describe a situation or process that is unyielding and cannot be stopped or prevented. This can refer to physical phenomena, such as the inexorable march of time or the inexorable force of gravity. It can also refer to societal or political situations, such as the inexorable rise of a particular leader or the inexorable decline of an industry or institution.
The word is often used in a negative context, implying that something is unrelenting or inflexible, and is thus resistant to change or alteration. This can be seen in its synonyms, which include words such as “uncompromising” and “stubborn.”
In many cases, the word “inexorable” is used to convey a sense of finality, as if the outcome of a situation is predetermined and cannot be altered. It is often associated with unpleasant or unfortunate circumstances, such as the inexorable decline of a company or the inexorable spread of a disease.
The root of the word “inexorable” is “exorable,” which means “capable of being moved by entreaty or prayer.” By adding the prefix “in-” to the word, the meaning is reversed, giving us the opposite meaning of “incapable of being moved by entreaty or prayer.”