adj
Uncommon
unavoidable
uh-nuh-VOY-duh-buhl
Unavoidable (adj) means not able to be avoided or prevented; bound to happen. Example: “Given the storm, the flight delay was unavoidable.”
adj
1
Not able to be avoided or prevented; bound to happen.
"Given the storm, the flight delay was unavoidable."
How to use unavoidable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishImpossible to escape or dodge — it's going to happen regardless.
Common pairings
an unavoidable delay
unavoidable consequence
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Word forms
- Plural
- unavoidables
- Comparative
- more unavoidable
- Superlative
- most unavoidable
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Given the storm, the flight delay was _____.
Etymology
From Middle English unavoidable, built from un- + avoidable.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for unavoidable
See all rhymes for unavoidable →Frequently asked questions
What does “unavoidable” mean?
The word “unavoidable” means not able to be avoided or prevented; bound to happen. In plain terms, impossible to escape or dodge — it's going to happen regardless.
How do you pronounce “unavoidable”?
“Unavoidable” is pronounced uh-nuh-VOY-duh-buhl (/ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “unavoidable” in a sentence?
Here is “unavoidable” used in a sentence: “Given the storm, the flight delay was unavoidable.”
What is the opposite of “unavoidable”?
The opposite of “unavoidable” — its antonyms — is avoidable.
What part of speech is “unavoidable”?
“Unavoidable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “unavoidable” come from?
The word “unavoidable” comes from Middle English. From Middle English unavoidable, built from un- + avoidable.
Is “unavoidable” a common word?
“Unavoidable” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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