always used before a noun
1
—used to describe two things that are related in such a way that as one becomes larger the other becomes smaller
The study indicates an inverse relationship between the unemployment rate and inflation. [=as the unemployment rate drops, inflation rises]
My interest in his books declined in inverse proportion to his popularity. [=my interest declined as his books became more popular]
2
technical
: opposite in nature or effect
Addition and subtraction are inverse operations.
ɪnˈvɚs,
ˈɪnˌvɚs
formal + technical
: something that is the opposite of something else
the inverse of your argument
Cite this Entry
“Inverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/inverse. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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