inextricable

adjective

in·​ex·​tri·​ca·​ble ˌi-nik-ˈstri-kə-bəl  (ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)stri- 

1

: forming a maze or tangle from which it is impossible to get free

2

a

: incapable of being disentangled or untied

an inextricable knot

b

: not capable of being solved

inextricability

ˌi-nik-ˌstri-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

(ˌ)i-ˌnek-(ˌ)stri-

noun

inextricably

ˌi-nik-ˈstri-kə-blē 

(ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)stri-

adverb

Examples of inextricable in a Sentence

He argues that there is an inextricable link between poverty and poor health.

Recent Examples on the Web

For Howe, the first and last words of that litany were inextricable, consistent. —Nick Ripatrazone july 10, Literary Hub, 10 July 2025

Over the span of 500 pages, these people come to feel intensely real, their stories becoming inextricable from their landscape. —Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025

Many aspects of American life—for instance, the view held by many Americans that freedom and the right to bear firearms are inextricable—do not resonate outside the United States. —Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

As Martin says, Francis’ views on environmental issues and social justice were inextricable. —Christopher Parker, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin inextricabilis, from in- + extricabilis extricable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inextricable

adjective

in·​ex·​tri·​ca·​ble ˌin-ik-ˈstrik-ə-bəl  (ˈ)in-ˈek-(ˌ)strik- 

: impossible to untangle or to get free from

an inextricable knot

inextricably

-blē 

adverb