adj · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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/ɪnˈflɛksəbl̩/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:IH2 N F L EH1 K S AH0 B AH0 L
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Not flexible; not capable of bending or being bent.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: stiff, rigid, firm, unyielding
Antonyms: none provided
2
adj
Meaning 2
Not willing to change, e.g. one's opinion or habits.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adj
Meaning 3
Not able to be changed or adapted to circumstances.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
adjective
Meaning 4
resistant to being bent;
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
an inflexible iron bar
an inflexible knife blade
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: flexible
5
adjective
Meaning 5
incapable of change
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
a man of inflexible purpose
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: flexible
6
adjective
Meaning 6
not making concessions
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
took an uncompromising stance in the peace talks
uncompromising honesty
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: uncompromising, sturdy
Antonyms: none provided
7
adjective satellite
Meaning 7
incapable of adapting or changing to meet circumstances
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
a rigid disciplinarian
an inflexible law
an unbending will to dominate
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: rigid, unbending
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French inflexible, from Latin īnflexibilis. See also in- + flexible.
Across languages
Translations
46 source translations are retained for this English entry.
