inflexible

[ in-flek-suh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not flexible; incapable of or resistant to being bent; rigid:

   an inflexible steel rod.

   Synonyms: unbendable, stiff

2. of a rigid or unyielding temper, purpose, will, etc.; immovable:

   an inflexible determination.

   Synonyms: adamant, unbending, obdurate, intractable, obstinate, stubborn, unremitting, unrelenting, stern, rigorous

   Antonyms: amenable

3. not permitting change or variation; unalterable:

   inflexible rules.

   Synonyms: undeviating

inflexible

/ ɪnˈflɛksəbəl /

adjective

1. not flexible; rigid; stiff
2. obstinate; unyielding
3. without variation; unalterable; fixed

Derived Forms

• inˌflexiˈbility, noun
• inˈflexibly, adverb

Other Words From

• in·flexi·bili·ty in·flexi·ble·ness noun
• in·flexi·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflexible¹

1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin inflexibilis “rigid, unbending.” See in- ³, flexible

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflexible¹

C14: from Latin inflexībilis; see inflect

Synonym Study

Inflexible, relentless, implacable, inexorable imply having the quality of not being turned from a purpose. Inflexible means unbending, adhering undeviatingly to a set plan, purpose, or the like: inflexible in interpretation of rules; an inflexible will. Relentless suggests so pitiless and unremitting a pursuit of purpose as to convey a sense of inevitableness: as relentless as the passing of time. Implacable means incapable of being placated or appeased: implacable in wrath. Inexorable means unmoved by prayer or entreaty: inexorable in demanding payment.

Example Sentences

Beyond paid leave, the inflexible structure of teachers’ hours makes it difficult to care for our own children.

From Los Angeles Times

Fitting the pond into the ground was a difficult project, they said, because the hole had to align with the inflexible contours of the pond and sit flush against the ground.

From Los Angeles Times

Their objections include concerns that the definition of covered models is too inflexible to account for technological progress, that it’s unreasonable to hold them responsible for harmful applications that others develop, and that the bill overall will stifle innovation and hamstring small startup companies without the resources to devote to compliance.

From Los Angeles Times

His laissez-faire views were so uncompromising that even Milton Friedman, most people’s idea of a hardcore libertarian, considered his thinking overly inflexible.

From Salon

About 650 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union have walked out amid complaints that their new rosters are inflexible.

From BBC

Related Words

• adamant
• immutable
• intractable
• obstinate
• resolute
• rigid
• rigorous
• steadfast
• strict
• stringent
• uncompromising
• unyielding