Unavoidable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unavoidable

[ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəb(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in situations or events

Impossible to avoid or prevent. Inevitable.

Synonyms

inescapable, inevitable, unpreventable.

Examples of usage

  • It was an unavoidable accident.
  • Death is an unavoidable part of life.
  • The conflict seemed unavoidable given the circumstances.
Context #2 | Adjective

in decisions or actions

Necessary and inevitable. Cannot be avoided.

Synonyms

inescapable, inevitable, necessary.

Examples of usage

  • Certain compromises are unavoidable in politics.
  • The consequences of his actions were unavoidable.
  • It is an unavoidable truth that change is necessary for progress.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often discuss the concept of unavoidable events in the context of free will versus determinism.
  • The idea that some events are unavoidable can lead to discussions on the nature of destiny and fate in human life.
  • Many philosophical texts explore whether being aware of unavoidable outcomes changes how individuals react to them.

Psychology

  • People often experience feelings of helplessness when faced with unavoidable circumstances, which can impact mental health.
  • Understanding that some situations are inevitable can help individuals cope better and make more informed choices.
  • The human brain is wired to seek control, so acknowledging the unavoidable can be a significant step in emotional resilience.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, characters often face unavoidable challenges that drive the plot forward, like prophecies or inescapable destinies.
  • Catchphrases in pop culture often center around the idea of unavoidable events, such as 'What goes up must come down.'
  • The theme of unavoidable consequences is prevalent in narratives, highlighting moral lessons or character growth.

Science

  • In physics, certain outcomes in particle physics can be seen as unavoidable based on current laws and theories.
  • In epidemiology, the spread of certain infectious diseases can become unavoidable in populations without adequate preventive measures.
  • Climate scientists warn that specific impacts of climate change are now unavoidable due to past emissions.

Origin of 'unavoidable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'avoidable', which means 'able to be escaped or prevented'.
  • It has roots in Middle English and traces back to the Latin word 'avoidabilis', meaning 'to be avoided'.
  • The term has evolved in usage from the late 17th century, highlighting a shift in how people perceive fate and inevitability.

The word 'unavoidable' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'avoidable' meaning 'able to be avoided'. The combination of these two parts forms the adjective 'unavoidable', which has been used in the English language since the 16th century. Over time, the word has maintained its meaning of something that cannot be escaped or prevented, becoming a commonly used term in everyday language to describe situations, events, decisions, or actions that are inevitable and cannot be avoided.


See also: avoidable, avoidance, avoidant, avoider, avoiding, unavoidability, unavoidably.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,137 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.