ineluctable

adjective in·eluc·ta·ble \ ˌi-ni-ˈlək-tə-bəl \

Definition of ineluctable

:not to be avoided, changed, or resisted :inevitable

an ineluctable fate

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ineluctability

play \ˌi-ni-ˌlək-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

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ineluctably

play \ˌi-ni-ˈlək-tə-blē\ adverb

See ineluctable defined for English-language learners

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Examples of ineluctable in a Sentence

the ineluctable approach of winter had many worried about the cost of heating their homes

Recent Examples of ineluctable from the Web

Gone is the original’s joyful sense of mischief; what’s left is an inoffensive piece of twaddle that never fully appreciates the ineluctable bond between community spirit and a drop of the hard stuff.

— jeannette catsoulis, New York Times, "Review: Even Laughs Are Rationed in a ‘Whisky Galore!’ Reboot," 11 May 2017
In both, the Far North exhibits an attraction that turns ineluctable, then fatal.

— kathryn schulz, The New Yorker, "Literature’s Arctic Obsession," 24 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ineluctable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

Like drama, wrestling was popular in ancient Greece and Rome. "Wrestler," in Latin, is "luctator," and "to wrestle" is "luctari." "Luctari" also has extended senses - "to struggle," "to strive," or "to contend." "Eluctari" joined "e-" ("ex-") with "luctari," forming a verb meaning "to struggle clear of." "Ineluctabilis" brought in the negative prefix in- to form an adjective describing something that cannot be escaped or avoided. English speakers borrowed the word as "ineluctable" around 1623. Another word that has its roots in "luctari" is "reluctant." Reluctari means "to struggle against" - and someone who is "reluctant" resists or holds back.

Origin and Etymology of ineluctable

Latin ineluctabilis, from in- + eluctari to struggle clear of, from ex- + luctari to struggle, wrestle; akin to Latin luxus dislocated — more at lock

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1623

See Words from the same year