inexorable
gb/ˌɪnˈɛksɚəbəl/ us/ˌɪnˈɛksɚəbəl/
C2
English
~ 9900
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C2
property
1
impossible to stop or prevent
Continuing and impossible to stop or prevent.
Usage pattern:
[something] is inexorable
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "inexorable" with "inexcusable" or "unreasonable". "Inexorable" does not mean morally bad or not fair; it means something cannot be stopped or changed. It is also often misspelled as *unexorable* or *inexorible*.
Synonyms
relentless (Very close in meaning; slightly more common and can sound a bit less formal.)
|
unstoppable (More informal and direct; lacks the formal, often serious tone of "inexorable".)
|
inevitable (Focuses more on something being certain to happen, not necessarily on it continuing without pause.)
Antonyms
stoppable (Direct opposite, emphasizing that something can be stopped.)
|
reversible (Opposite in contexts where "inexorable" describes a process that cannot be undone.)
|
avoidable (Opposite when "inexorable" suggests an outcome that cannot be avoided.)
Collocations
inexorable rise
|inexorable march
|inexorable advance
|inexorable decline
|inexorable progress
|seemingly inexorable
Themes
time
|change
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Analysts warn of an inexorable rise in sea levels over the coming century.
- The film explores humanity’s struggle against the inexorable march of technology.
- Despite several reforms, the country’s inexorable decline into chaos continued.
- There seemed to be an inexorable shift of power toward the larger corporations.
- The novel captures the inexorable progress of time in a small rural town.
Learner examples
- There is an inexorable rise in housing prices in this city.
- The company could not stop its inexorable fall into debt.
- We all feel the inexorable march of time as we get older.
- Climate change is an inexorable process if we do nothing.
- The team’s inexorable progress took them to the top of the league.
adjective
formal
C2
property
2
impossible to persuade or soften
Refusing to change your mind or feelings, even when people ask strongly.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is inexorable in [their decision]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this sense with everyday, mild firmness. In normal conversation, words like "strict" or "firm" are more natural; "inexorable" sounds very strong and formal. Do not use it for small, casual decisions.
Synonyms
unbending (Stresses refusal to change opinions or decisions.)
|
implacable (Very close in meaning, with a strong sense of being impossible to appease or calm.)
|
merciless (Adds the idea of being cruel or lacking pity, not just firm.)
Antonyms
flexible (Opposite in the sense of being willing to change or adapt.)
|
lenient (Opposite when the focus is on being soft or forgiving instead of strict.)
|
yielding (Opposite in the sense of giving way or changing under pressure.)
Collocations
an inexorable judge
|an inexorable opponent
|inexorable in his refusal
|inexorable in her demands
|inexorable stance
|inexorable creditor
Themes
people
|emotions
|conflict
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Despite their pleas for mercy, the judge remained inexorable and imposed the maximum sentence.
- She was inexorable in her refusal to compromise on the safety standards.
- The creditors were inexorable, demanding full repayment within thirty days.
- His parents were usually kind, but on this point they were inexorable.
- Confronted with overwhelming evidence, he was inexorable and would not admit he was wrong.
Learner examples
- The manager was inexorable and said no to every request.
- He is inexorable in his rules for his children.
- The teacher was kind but inexorable about the exam date.
- They asked many times, but she was inexorable and did not change her mind.
- The coach was inexorable and made the team practice in the rain.
Grammar
Dictionary form
inexorable
IPA
GB/ˌɪnˈɛksɚəbəl/
US/ˌɪnˈɛksɚəbəl/
Syllables & stress
in - ex - or - able (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ex)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: inexorable
Word family
Core family
inexorably
adverb C1
Advanced or less common
inexorability
noun C2
Expressions
the inexorable march of time
1/ðə ˌɪnˈɛksɚəbəl mˈɑɹt͡ʃ əv tˈaɪm/
fixed phrase
formal
the unstoppable passing of time
The steady passing of time that no one can stop.
Examples
- The wrinkles on his face showed the inexorable march of time.
- Museums try to save objects from decay, but they cannot escape the inexorable march of time.
the inexorable rise of [something]
1/ðə ˌɪnˈɛksɚəbəl ɹˈaɪz əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
a steady, unstoppable increase
A slow, steady increase in something that seems impossible to stop.
Examples
- Experts are worried about the inexorable rise of global temperatures.
- The film looks at the inexorable rise of social media in everyday life.