Meaning of inflexible in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  3. Qualitative Adjective
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ɪnˈflɛksəb(ə)l/

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  1. Classifying Adjective

    inflexible

    Definitions

    1. incapable of adapting or changing to meet circumstances

    Examples

    • « a rigid disciplinarian »
    • « an inflexible law »
    • « an unbending will to dominate »

    Synonyms

  2. Qualitative Adjective

    inflexible

    Etymology

    late Middle English: from Latin inflexibilis, from in-‘not’ + flexibilis‘flexible’

    Definitions

    1. extended meanings

    Examples

    • « incapable of change »
    • « a man of inflexible purpose »

    Synonyms

    Antonyms

  3. 2. not making concessions

    Examples

    • « took an uncompromising stance in the peace talks »
    • « uncompromising honesty »

    Synonyms

    Antonyms

  4. 3. literal meanings

    Examples

    • « an inflexible iron bar »
    • « an inflexible knife blade »

    Synonyms

    Antonyms

Famous quotes

  • « It seems to be a law of nature, inflexible and inexorable, that those who will not risk cannot win. »
    John Paul Jones
  • « We are beginning a new era in our government. I cannot too strongly urge the necessity of a rigid economy and an inflexible determination not to enlarge the income beyond the real necessities of the government. »
    Andrew Jackson
  • « In almost every marriage there is a selfish and an unselfish partner. A pattern is set up and soon becomes inflexible, of one person always making the demands and one person always giving way. »
    Iris Murdoch
  • « The truth is, hardly any of us have ethical energy enough for more than one really inflexible point of honor. »
    George Bernard Shaw

See also

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