inexorable

adjective

in·​ex·​o·​ra·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈnek-sə-rə-bəl How to pronounce inexorable (audio)
-ˈneks-rə-,
-ˈneg-zə-rə- How to pronounce inexorable (audio)
: not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped : relentless
inexorable progress
inexorability
(ˌ)i-ˌnek-sə-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce inexorable (audio)
-ˌneks-rə-
-ˌneg-zə-
noun
inexorableness
(ˌ)i-ˈnek-sə-rə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce inexorable (audio)
-ˈneks-rə-
-ˈneg-zə-
noun
inexorably
(ˌ)i-ˈnek-sə-rə-blē How to pronounce inexorable (audio)
-ˈneks-rə-
-ˈneg-zə-rə-
adverb

Did you know?

The Latin antecedent of inexorable is inexorabilis, which is itself a combination of the prefix in-, meaning "not," plus exorabilis, meaning "pliant" or "capable of being moved by entreaty." It's a fitting etymology for inexorable. You can beseech and implore until you're blue in the face, but that won't have any effect on something that's inexorable. Inexorable has been a part of the English language since the 1500s. Originally, it was often applied to people or sometimes to personified things, as in "deaf and inexorable laws." These days, it is usually applied to things, as in "inexorable monotony" or "an inexorable trend." In such cases, it essentially means "unyielding" or "inflexible."

Examples of inexorable in a Sentence

the inexorable rise of a political movement
Recent Examples on the Web Meanwhile, a deeper truth emerges, more about the inexorable march of time than integrity. Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2024 The variety of creative objects that succumb to the inexorable crushing ensures that a maximum number of people will experience similar pangs of loss. Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for inexorable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inexorable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin inexorabilis, from in- + exorabilis pliant, from exorare to prevail upon, from ex- + orare to speak — more at oration

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inexorable was in 1542

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Dictionary Entries Near inexorable

Cite this Entry

“Inexorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inexorable. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

inexorable

adjective
in·​ex·​o·​ra·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈeks-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce inexorable (audio)
inexorableness noun
inexorably adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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