inextricable

[ in-ik-strik-uh-buhl, in-ek-stri-kuh‐ ]

adjective

1. from which one cannot extricate oneself:

   an inextricable maze.

2. incapable of being disentangled, undone, loosed, or solved:

   an inextricable knot.

3. hopelessly intricate, involved, or perplexing:

   inextricable confusion.

inextricable

/ ˌɪnɛksˈtrɪkəbəl /

adjective

1. not able to be escaped from

   an inextricable dilemma

2. not able to be disentangled, etc

   an inextricable knot

3. extremely involved or intricate

Derived Forms

• ˌinextricaˈbility, noun
• ˌinexˈtricably, adverb

Other Words From

• in·ex·tri·ca·bil·i·ty [in-ik-strik-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], in·ex·tri·ca·ble·ness noun
• in·ex·tri·ca·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inextricable¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; a late Middle English word, from the Latin word inextrīcābilis; in- ³, extricable

Example Sentences

It’s an aspect of Swift’s personality and artistry, which are inextricable, that Sheffield characterizes as “petty Taylor.”

From Los Angeles Times

For many involved in the Anacostia’s clean-up, the history of the river, its neglect and industrial pollution are inextricable from the city’s racial history.

From Seattle Times

It's a reminder that white supremacy is an inextricable part of Christian nationalism.

From Salon

In his short but intense career, Haring’s pulsating figures became an inextricable part of New York City life, like ancient hieroglyphics that weren’t as much drawn as unearthed.

From New York Times

As with most occurrences that qualify as an event these days — from the Super Bowl to a birthday party — making still and moving images of this eclipse was an inextricable part of the experience.

From New York Times