inflexible

adjective in·flex·i·ble \(ˌ)in-ˈflek-sə-bəl\

: not easily influenced or persuaded

: not easily bent or twisted

: not easily changed

Full Definition of INFLEXIBLE

: rigidly firm in will or purpose : unyielding

: not readily bent : lacking or deficient in suppleness

: incapable of change : unalterable

— in·flex·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌflek-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— in·flex·i·ble·ness \-ˈflek-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun

— in·flex·i·bly \-blē\ adverb

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Origin of INFLEXIBLE

Middle English, from Latin inflexibilis, from in- + flexibilis flexible

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to INFLEXIBLE

Synonyms: fixed, hard-and-fast, immutable, inalterable, incommutable, invariable, unalterable, unchangeable

Antonyms: alterable, changeable, elastic, flexible, mutable, variable

Synonym Discussion of INFLEXIBLE

inflexible, obdurate, adamant mean unwilling to alter a predetermined course or purpose. inflexible implies rigid adherence or even slavish conformity to principle <inflexible in their demands>. obdurate stresses hardness of heart and insensitivity to appeals for mercy or the influence of divine grace <obdurate in his refusal to grant clemency>. adamant implies utter immovability in the face of all temptation or entreaty <adamant that the work should continue>.

synonyms see in addition stiff

INFLEXIBLENESS Defined for Kids