Words / B2

in-EV-it-uh-bl/ɪnˈevɪtəbl/

Inevitable means it will happen and you cannot stop it: mistakes are inevitable if you never revise. Unavoidable is very close; bound to happen is everyday. Certain can mean “sure,” but inevitable stresses there is no way round it. Inevitably is the adverb. Do not use it for something that is only likely.

Meaning

Certain to happen and impossible to avoid.

Examples

• “If you never revise, mistakes are inevitable.”
• “With that much rain, flooding was inevitable.”
• “Delay was inevitable once two trains failed.”

Good to know

inevitable + noun. Adverb: inevitably. Everyday: bound to happen. Stronger than likely.

Near in meaning

unavoidable

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