B2adverb5K

Inevitably

UK /["/ɪnˈevɪtəbli/"]/US /["/ɪnˈevɪtəbli/"]/

Definition

as is certain to happen

In simple words: certain to happen; cannot be avoided

Examples

  • Inevitably, the press exaggerated the story.
  • Inevitably, it rained on the day of the wedding.

Usage notes

Used to indicate something will happen as a result of something else. It's best for written or spoken contexts where certainty is needed. Avoid in casual conversations where a more informal tone is preferred.

Grammar pattern

inevitably + result

Memory hint

Think of 'inevitable' and 'inevitably' — sounds like a gate that always swings open when pushed.

Collocations

  • inevitably lead to
  • inevitably happen
  • inevitably result in

Synonyms

  • unavoidably
  • certainly
  • predictably
  • necessarily
  • invariably

Antonyms

  • avoidably
  • optionally

Common mistakes

  • Using in place of 'eventually' which implies uncertainty.
  • Confusing with 'invariably', which can suggest frequency rather than certainty.
  • Saying 'inevitably that' when it should just be 'inevitably'.