inextricable

adjective

in·​ex·​tri·​ca·​ble ˌi-nik-ˈstri-kə-bəl  (ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)stri- 

1

: forming a maze or tangle from which it is impossible to get free

2

a

: incapable of being disentangled or untied

an inextricable knot

b

: not capable of being solved

inextricability

ˌi-nik-ˌstri-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

(ˌ)i-ˌnek-(ˌ)stri-

noun

inextricably

ˌi-nik-ˈstri-kə-blē 

(ˌ)i-ˈnek-(ˌ)stri-

adverb

Examples of inextricable in a Sentence

He argues that there is an inextricable link between poverty and poor health.

Recent Examples on the Web

Elizabeth Correa, 17, who also attends Wilson High, said migrants are an inextricable part of the country. —Sarah Quiñones Wolfson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2025

Social media is an inextricable part of how younger generations connect. —Talia Barrington, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2025

But mercury is an inextricable part of the equation. —Sallie Tisdale, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024

The art of directing is inextricable from the process of producing. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin inextricabilis, from in- + extricabilis extricable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inextricable

adjective

in·​ex·​tri·​ca·​ble ˌin-ik-ˈstrik-ə-bəl  (ˈ)in-ˈek-(ˌ)strik- 

: impossible to untangle or to get free from

an inextricable knot

inextricably

-blē 

adverb