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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more inexorable
- Superlative
- most inexorable
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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."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for inexorable
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.
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