Meaning of inflexible in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ɪnˈflɛksəb(ə)l/

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   UK accent

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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

   • unadaptable

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

   • adamant
   • adamantine
   • inexorable
   • intransigent
   • die-hard(a)
   • rock-ribbed
   • flinty
   • granitic
   • unyielding
   • fossilized
   • fossilised
   • ossified
   • hard-core
   • hardcore
   • ironclad
   • brassbound

   Antonyms

   • flexible
3. 2. not making concessions

   Examples

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

   Synonyms

   • hard-line
   • hardline
   • unyielding

   Antonyms

   • compromising
   • conciliatory
   • flexible
4. 3. literal meanings

   Examples

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

   Synonyms

   • muscle-bound
   • rigid
   • stiff
   • semirigid
   • stand-up
   • stiff
   • stiff
   • stiffened

   Antonyms

   • flexible
   • flexile

See also

• inelastic