adverb
Common
inevitably
ih-NEH-vih-tuhb-lee
Inevitably (adverb) means In a way that can't be avoided; as was bound to happen. Example: “If you never practise, you will inevitably forget most of what you learned.”
adverb
1
In a way that can't be avoided; as was bound to happen.
"If you never practise, you will inevitably forget most of what you learned."
"Inevitably, the delay pushed the whole project over budget."
"Cutting corners inevitably led to mistakes."
How to use inevitably
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to say something was bound to happen, as expected.
Common pairings
inevitably led to
inevitably, this meant
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like inevitably.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
If you never practise, you will _____ forget most of what you learned.
Etymology
From inevitable + -ly.
Synonyms
View more →
unavoidably
necessarily
certainly
naturally
predictably
of necessity
ineluctably
inescapably
relentlessly
sure as a gun
sure as fate
surely
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for inevitably
notably
probably
arguably
amicably
suitably
reliably
admirably
favorably
miserably
inexorably
reasonably
invariably
See all rhymes for inevitably →
Frequently asked questions
What does “inevitably” mean?
The word “inevitably” means in a way that can't be avoided; as was bound to happen. In plain terms, used to say something was bound to happen, as expected.
How do you pronounce “inevitably”?
“Inevitably” is pronounced ih-NEH-vih-tuhb-lee (/ɪˈnɛvɪtəbli/ in IPA).
How do you use “inevitably” in a sentence?
Here is “inevitably” used in a sentence: “Inevitably, the delay pushed the whole project over budget.”
What is another word for “inevitably”?
Words with a similar meaning to “inevitably” include ineluctably, inescapably, relentlessly, sure as a gun, sure as fate and surely.
What is the opposite of “inevitably”?
The opposite of “inevitably” — its antonyms — are evitably, avoidably, impossibly, incidentally and unexpectedly.
What part of speech is “inevitably”?
“Inevitably” is an adverb.
Is “inevitably” a common word?
“Inevitably” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between inevitably and eventually?
Inevitably stresses that something is certain to happen and cannot be avoided, while eventually only stresses that it happens after some time, with no sense of being unavoidable. An outcome can be eventual without being inevitable.
What is the difference between inevitably and unavoidably?
The two are very close in meaning and often interchangeable, both meaning that something is bound to happen. Unavoidably tends to emphasise that no action could have prevented it, while inevitably emphasises that the outcome was certain from the start.
What is the difference between inevitably and inevitable?
Inevitable is an adjective describing something that cannot be avoided, as in "an inevitable outcome." Inevitably is the adverb form, describing how something happens, as in "the outcome inevitably followed." Use inevitable to modify a noun and inevitably to modify a verb or a whole clause.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include inevitably:
