adjective C2 Proficient

inexorable

ihn-EHK-saw-ruh-buhl

Inexorable (adjective) means Impossible to stop or change once it's set in motion; unavoidable. Example: “The company's decline seemed inexorable once its main rival launched.”

adjective

Impossible to stop or change once it's set in motion; unavoidable.

"The company's decline seemed inexorable once its main rival launched."

"There was an inexorable rise in prices throughout the year."

Not able to be persuaded or moved by pleading; unyielding.

"The judge remained inexorable despite the defence's appeals for mercy."

How to use inexorable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGrinding on relentlessly and unstoppably, or (for a person) refusing to soften no matter how much you plead.

Common pairings

inexorable decline inexorable rise inexorable march of

Word forms

more inexorable comparative, most inexorable superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “inexorable” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The company's decline seemed _____ once its main rival launched.

Etymology

From Latin inexōrābilis, "relentless" — in- + exōrābilis, "able to be moved by pleading," from exōrāre, "to win over by begging."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for inexorable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

See all rhymes for inexorable →

Frequently asked questions

What does “inexorable” mean?

The word “inexorable” means impossible to stop or change once it's set in motion; unavoidable. In plain terms, grinding on relentlessly and unstoppably, or (for a person) refusing to soften no matter how much you plead.

How do you pronounce “inexorable”?

“Inexorable” is pronounced ihn-EHK-saw-ruh-buhl (/ɪnˈɛksɚəb(ə)l/ in IPA).

How do you use “inexorable” in a sentence?

Here is “inexorable” used in a sentence: “The company's decline seemed inexorable once its main rival launched.”

What part of speech is “inexorable”?

“Inexorable” is an adjective.

Where does the word “inexorable” come from?

The word “inexorable” comes from Latin. From Latin inexōrābilis, "relentless" — in- + exōrābilis, "able to be moved by pleading," from exōrāre, "to win over by begging.".

How many meanings does “inexorable” have?

“Inexorable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: impossible to stop or change once it's set in motion; unavoidable.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include inexorable:

GRE vocabulary words C2 vocabulary words