Inevitability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Add to dictionary

inevitability

[ɪˌnevɪtəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in life

The quality of being certain to happen; unavoidable fate.

Synonyms

certainty, fate, unavoidable.

Examples of usage

  • It was the inevitability of death that made him appreciate life more.
  • The inevitability of change is a constant in life.
Context #2 | Noun

in a situation

The fact that something is certain to happen and cannot be avoided or prevented.

Synonyms

certainty, unavoidable, unpreventable.

Examples of usage

  • The team faced the inevitability of defeat.
  • We must accept the inevitability of aging.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, inevitability often relates to discussions about determinism—the idea that all events are determined by preceding causes.
  • The concept raises questions about free will, prompting debates on whether people can change their fates.
  • Famous philosophers like Spinoza and Leibniz explored the nature of reality considering what is inevitable.

Science

  • In physics, the concept of inevitability appears in discussions of natural laws, where certain outcomes are predetermined by conditions.
  • The second law of thermodynamics suggests that entropy, or disorder, is an inevitable process in a closed system over time.
  • Certain biological processes, such as aging and cell death, are often described as inevitable due to their physiological nature.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, themes of inevitability are often explored through narratives featuring fate or destiny, like in 'Final Destination' series.
  • Song lyrics often touch on inevitable love or events that cannot be avoided, making it a relatable subject for many listeners.
  • Books like 'The Fault in Our Stars' portray characters grappling with their own inevitable challenges, capturing deep emotional truths.

Psychology

  • The concept can also influence our mindset; believing in inevitability can lead to a sense of helplessness or acceptance.
  • Cognitive biases, like the hindsight bias, make people feel that events were inevitable after they occur, even if they were unpredictable.
  • Therapists might explore feelings around inevitability to help clients navigate anxiety about uncontrollable life events.

Origin of 'inevitability'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'inevitabilis', meaning 'unavoidable'.
  • It combines 'in-', meaning 'not', and 'evitare', meaning 'to avoid', indicating something that you can't escape.
  • The term began to be used in English during the late Middle Ages, reflecting growing philosophical discussions.

The word 'inevitability' originated from the Latin word 'inevitabilis', which means 'that cannot be avoided'. The concept of inevitability has been explored in various philosophical and literary works throughout history, reflecting on the idea of fate and the unavoidable nature of certain events in life.


See also: inevitably.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,486, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.