inflexible

adjective

in·​flex·​i·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈflek-sə-bəl 

: not flexible: such as

a

: characterized by firmness of will or purpose : unyielding

an inflexible judge

took an inflexible stance

… he pulled out of the talks, saying administration officials were being inflexible

—Lloyd Grove

His secret, it turned out, was an inflexible regimen that required a permanent diet except on certain cheating days each week …

—Calvin Trillin

b

: not easily bent or twisted : lacking or deficient in suppleness

an inflexible steel rod

Imbalances in any area of this soft tissue, as well as inflexible or weak hip muscles, can pull the kneecap off track …

—Food & Fitness Advisor

c

: not easily changed : unalterable

an inflexible deadline

inflexible laws/rules

jobs with inflexible hours

inflexibility

(ˌ)in-ˌflek-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

plural inflexibilities

joint inflexibility

the inflexibility of the schedule

inflexibleness

(ˌ)in-ˈflek-sə-bəl-nəs 

noun

inflexibly

(ˌ)in-ˈflek-sə-blē 

adverb

rules that are inflexibly applied

Synonyms

• fixed
• hard-and-fast
• immutable
• inalterable
• incommutable
• invariable
• unalterable
• unchangeable

Choose the Right Synonym for inflexible

inflexible, obdurate, adamant mean unwilling to alter a predetermined course or purpose.

inflexible implies rigid adherence or even servile 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

Examples of inflexible in a Sentence

the inflexible law of gravity

shoes made of inflexible plastic hurt my feet

Recent Examples on the Web

Don’t sabotage your own odds of success by being inflexible, unreasonable or moving too slowly. —George Deeb, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

In a pot made out of inflexible material, tap the bottom firmly on a hard surface a few times to help loosen it. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024

While authoritarian parents, for example, are more strict, inflexible, and controlling, lighthouse parents encourage independence by trusting their children to follow the rules and make good decisions. —Alex Vance, Parents, 20 Sep. 2024

Categorical and inflexible refusals destroy creativity and the opportunity for dialogue. —Anna Jankowska, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inflexible

adjective

in·​flex·​i·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈflek-sə-bəl 

1

: not easily bent or twisted : rigid, stiff

2

: not easily influenced or persuaded : firm

3

: incapable of change : unalterable

inflexible laws

inflexibility

(ˌ)in-ˌflek-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

inflexibly

(ˈ)in-ˈflek-sə-blē 

adverb