inevitable

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/ɪnˈɛvɪtəbəl/
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Certain to happen, or so familiar that people expect it.
Practice using inevitable in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • She asked the inevitable question about the budget.
  • Then came his inevitable joke about the weather.
  • We heard the inevitable complaints after the announcement.
  • Why pretend the inevitable will never arrive?
  • They prepared for the inevitable as the river rose.

Similar words

usual
expected
inescapable
predictable
unavoidable
certain
what must happen
bound to happen
the unavoidable

Meanings

Unavoidable

adjective
certainty
neutral
Certain to happen and impossible to prevent.

Examples

  • Given the storm, delays were inevitable.
  • Some mistakes are inevitable when you start.
  • It was inevitable that the plan would change.
  • A price increase now seems inevitable.
  • Is conflict inevitable in a large team?

Similar words

unavoidable
inescapable
certain
bound to happen

Predictably usual

adjective
habit
informal
So regularly occurring that it is expected, often with mild amusement.

Examples

  • He arrived with his inevitable cup of coffee.
  • She asked the inevitable question about the budget.
  • We heard the inevitable complaints after the announcement.
  • Then came his inevitable joke about the weather.
  • The meeting ended with the inevitable request for more time.

Similar words

predictable
expected
usual

The certain outcome

noun
certainty
neutral
The thing that cannot be prevented from happening.

Examples

  • We had to accept the inevitable.
  • Eventually, the inevitable happened.
  • She delayed the decision but could not escape the inevitable.
  • Why pretend the inevitable will never arrive?
  • They prepared for the inevitable as the river rose.

Similar words

the unavoidable
what must happen

Etymology

From Latin inevitabilis, formed from in- (not) and evitabilis (avoidable).

FAQ

What does inevitable mean?

Certain to happen or impossible to prevent.

Can inevitable be humorous?

Yes. Before a noun it can describe a very predictable habit.

What does the inevitable mean?

The event that is certain to happen.

Is inevitable always negative?

No. A welcome result can also be inevitable.

Where does inevitable come from?

From Latin elements meaning not avoidable.

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