adj
inflexible
ihn-FLEHK-suhbl
Inflexible (adj) means Unable to bend or be physically altered in shape. Example: “The old metal rod was rusted stiff and inflexible.”
adj
1
Unable to bend or be physically altered in shape.
"The old metal rod was rusted stiff and inflexible."
2
Unwilling to change one's opinions, plans, or ways of doing things.
"Her manager was famously inflexible about working hours."
"The rules seemed inflexible, with no exceptions allowed for anyone."
How to use inflexible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRigid — either physically stiff or stubbornly unwilling to change.
Common pairings
inflexible rules
inflexible attitude
remain inflexible
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more inflexible
- Superlative
- most inflexible
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old metal rod was rusted stiff and _____.
Etymology
From Latin inflexibilis, from in- ("not") plus flexibilis ("flexible").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for inflexible
See all rhymes for inflexible →Frequently asked questions
What does “inflexible” mean?
The word “inflexible” means unable to bend or be physically altered in shape. In plain terms, rigid — either physically stiff or stubbornly unwilling to change.
How do you pronounce “inflexible”?
“Inflexible” is pronounced ihn-FLEHK-suhbl (/ɪnˈflɛksəbl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “inflexible” in a sentence?
Here is “inflexible” used in a sentence: “The old metal rod was rusted stiff and inflexible.”
What is another word for “inflexible”?
Words with a similar meaning to “inflexible” include unflexible.
What is the opposite of “inflexible”?
The opposite of “inflexible” — its antonyms — is flexible.
What part of speech is “inflexible”?
“Inflexible” is an adjective.
Where does the word “inflexible” come from?
The word “inflexible” comes from Latin. From Latin inflexibilis, from in- ("not") plus flexibilis ("flexible").
How many meanings does “inflexible” have?
“Inflexible” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable to bend or be physically altered in shape.
