INFLEXIBLE
Dictionary entry overview: What does inflexible mean?
• INFLEXIBLE (adjective)
The adjective INFLEXIBLE has 4 senses:
1. incapable of change
2. not making concessions
3. resistant to being bent
4. incapable of adapting or changing to meet circumstances
Familiarity information: INFLEXIBLE used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
• INFLEXIBLE (adjective)
Meaning:
Incapable of change
Context example:
a man of inflexible purpose
Similar:
brassbound; ironclad (inflexibly entrenched and unchangeable)
hard-core; hardore (stubbornly resistant to change or improvement)
fossilised; fossilized; ossified (set in a rigidly conventional pattern of behavior, habits, or beliefs)
die-hard; rock-ribbed (tradition-bound and obstinately opinionated)
adamant; adamantine; inexorable; intransigent (impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, reason)
Antonym:
flexible (capable of being changed)
Meaning:
Not making concessions
Synonyms:
uncompromising; inflexible; sturdy
Context examples:
took an uncompromising stance in the peace talks / uncompromising honesty
Similar:
hard-line; hardline (firm and uncompromising)
Meaning:
Resistant to being bent
Context examples:
an inflexible iron bar / an inflexible knife blade
Similar:
muscle-bound (having stiff muscles as the result of excessive exercise)
rigid; stiff (incapable of or resistant to bending)
semirigid (not fully rigid)
Also:
inelastic (not elastic)
Antonym:
flexible (able to flex; able to bend easily)
Meaning:
Incapable of adapting or changing to meet circumstances
Synonyms:
unbending; rigid; inflexible
Context examples:
a rigid disciplinarian / an inflexible law / an unbending will to dominate
Similar:
unadaptable (not adaptable)
