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

an inextricable link between poverty and poor health

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

But with roots in late-19th-century ranching and agriculture, the Stock Show’s mix of livestock auctions, youth competitions, rodeos, industry showcases, concerts, Western vendors, and has become inextricable from the Queen City of the Plains. —John Wenzel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026

Whether art is inextricable from the artist is central to many of the buzzy dramas vying for trophies during this year’s awards season, too. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026

The pair share an inextricable bond, tied by a dark secret, even as Sula leaves to travel the country. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

These drinks feel like the final bridge to the landscape, that last suspiro, or sigh, at the end of a long hot day, evocative and inextricable from their surroundings. —Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 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