B22K

Inevitable

UK /["/ɪnˈevɪtəbl/"]/US /["/ɪnˈevɪtəbl/"]/

Definition

that you cannot avoid or prevent

In simple words: Certain to happen; unavoidable.

Examples

  • It was an inevitable consequence of the decision.
  • It was inevitable that there would be job losses.
  • A rise in interest rates seems inevitable.
  • The scandal made her resignation inevitable.
  • They came to see defeat as inevitable.
  • the English and their inevitable cups of tea
  • You have to accept the inevitable.
  • The inevitable happened—I forgot my passport.

Usage notes

Use 'inevitable' to describe something that is expected to occur without fail. Avoid in very casual conversations; it’s more suited for formal or literary contexts.

Grammar pattern

inevitable + noun

Memory hint

Think of it as 'in-evitable' — you can’t evade it.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • look
  • almost
  • virtually
  • apparently
  • bow to the inevitable
  • appear
  • be
  • look
  • almost
  • virtually
  • apparently
  • bow to the inevitable

Synonyms

  • unavoidable

Antonyms

  • avoidable
  • preventable
  • uncertain

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'invincible'; they have different meanings.
  • Using 'inevitable' with 'to' instead of 'that' (correct: 'that something happens').
  • Mispronouncing it as 'in-evitable' instead of 'in-evitable'.