Ineluctable: meaning, definitions and examples

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ineluctable

 

[ ɪ.nɪˈlʌk.tə.bəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

inevitable situation

Ineluctable describes something that is unavoidable or certain to happen. It conveys a sense of helplessness in the face of an event or outcome that cannot be changed or escaped.

Synonyms

certain, inescapable, inevitable, unavoidable.

Examples of usage

  • The ineluctable passage of time affects us all.
  • He faced the ineluctable reality of his circumstances.
  • Ineluctable fate led them to meet again.
  • The ineluctable nature of change can be unsettling.

Translations

Translations of the word "ineluctable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inelutável

🇮🇳 अनिवार्य

🇩🇪 unvermeidlich

🇮🇩 tak terhindarkan

🇺🇦 неминучий

🇵🇱 nieuchronny

🇯🇵 避けられない

🇫🇷 inévitable

🇪🇸 ineludible

🇹🇷 kaçınılmaz

🇰🇷 피할 수 없는

🇸🇦 حتمي

🇨🇿 nevyhnutelný

🇸🇰 nevyhnutný

🇨🇳 不可避免的

🇸🇮 neizogiben

🇮🇸 óhjákvæmilegur

🇰🇿 босуға болмайтын

🇬🇪 აუცილებელი

🇦🇿 qaçılmaz

🇲🇽 ineludible

Etymology

The word 'ineluctable' has its roots in Latin, derived from 'ineluctabilis', which means 'unavoidable'. This Latin term breaks down further into 'in-' meaning 'not', and 'eluctabilis', which comes from 'eluctari' meaning 'to struggle out' or 'to escape'. The term entered the English language in the early 19th century, embodying a sense of forceful inevitability. It has since been used in both literary and philosophical contexts to discuss themes of fate, destiny, and the human experience's inevitable truths. Notably, it has been employed by various writers, including the influence of existential and determinist philosophies that explore the constraints placed on individuals by larger, uncontrollable forces.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,044 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.