inflexible

adjective

in·​flex·​i·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce inflexible (audio)
: not flexible: such as
a
: characterized by firmness of will or purpose : unyielding
an inflexible judge
took an inflexible stance
… he pulled out of the talks, saying administration officials were being inflexibleLloyd Grove
His secret, it turned out, was an inflexible regimen that required a permanent diet except on certain cheating days each week …Calvin Trillin
b
: not easily bent or twisted : lacking or deficient in suppleness
an inflexible steel rod
Imbalances in any area of this soft tissue, as well as inflexible or weak hip muscles, can pull the kneecap off track …Food & Fitness Advisor
c
: not easily changed : unalterable
an inflexible deadline
inflexible laws/rules
jobs with inflexible hours
inflexibility noun
plural inflexibilities
joint inflexibility
the inflexibility of the schedule
inflexibleness noun
inflexibly adverb
rules that are inflexibly applied
Choose the Right Synonym for inflexible

inflexible, obdurate, adamant mean unwilling to alter a predetermined course or purpose.

inflexible implies rigid adherence or even servile conformity to principle.

inflexible in their demands

obdurate stresses hardness of heart and insensitivity to appeals for mercy or the influence of divine grace.

obdurate in his refusal to grant clemency

adamant implies utter immovability in the face of all temptation or entreaty.

adamant that the work should continue

synonyms see in addition stiff

Examples of inflexible in a Sentence

the inflexible law of gravity shoes made of inflexible plastic hurt my feet
Recent Examples on the Web While authoritarian parents, for example, are more strict, inflexible, and controlling, lighthouse parents encourage independence by trusting their children to follow the rules and make good decisions. Alex Vance, Parents, 20 Sep. 2024 Categorical and inflexible refusals destroy creativity and the opportunity for dialogue. Anna Jankowska, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 Belau also stresses that early booking is particularly important if your travel dates are inflexible. Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2024 From Bloomberg: The primary reason is not a lack of consumer interest, but regulatory roadblocks erected by inflexible public officials who are preventing Americans from enjoying some of the world’s most creative, exciting and practical innovations in urban mobility. Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik, Quartz, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflexible 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflexible.' 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

Middle English, from Latin inflexibilis, from in- + flexibilis flexible

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflexible was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near inflexible

Cite this Entry

“Inflexible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflexible. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

inflexible

adjective
in·​flex·​i·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈflek-sə-bəl How to pronounce inflexible (audio)
1
: not easily bent or twisted : rigid, stiff
2
: not easily influenced or persuaded : firm
3
: incapable of change : unalterable
inflexible laws
inflexibly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inflexible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!