Definition

Something that cannot be avoided or escaped; it is certain to happen.

Example

The ineluctable passage of time affects us all.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how some things are just ineluctable?

Yeah, like the passage of time or growing older.

Exactly! It's funny how we try to resist those truths.

Right? But accepting them can actually make life easier.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ineluctable → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "eluctabilis" (from Latin "eluctari", meaning to struggle out or escape). The word describes something that cannot be avoided or escaped from.

Memory Tip

Think of something that cannot be 'escaped' ('eluctari') — the 'in-' means not, so ineluctable means something that cannot be avoided.

Visually Confused Words