inflexible

UK: /ɪnˈflɛksɪb^əl/ US: /ɪnˈflɛksəbəl/ ,(in flek′sə bəl)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

in•flex•i•ble /ɪnˈflɛksəbəl/   adj. 

1. not flexible; rigid:
   an inflexible plastic rod.
2. (of people) unyielding;
   stubborn:
   an inflexible determination.
3. not permitting variation;
   unalterable:
   inflexible rules.

in•flex•i•bil•i•ty /ɪnˌflɛksəˈbɪlɪti/  n. [uncountable]
in•flex•i•bly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

in•flex•i•ble  (in flek′sə bəl), adj. 

1. not flexible;
   incapable of or resistant to being bent;
   rigid:
   an inflexible steel rod.
2. of a rigid or unyielding temper, purpose, will, etc.;
   immovable:
   an inflexible determination.
3. not permitting change or variation;
   unalterable:
   inflexible rules.

• Latin inflexibilis rigid, unbending. See in-³, flexible
• Middle English 1350–1400

in•flex′i•bil′i•ty, in•flex′i•ble•ness, n. 
in•flex′i•bly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. unbendable, stiff.
• 2. rigorous, stern, unrelenting, unremitting, stubborn, obstinate, intractable, obdurate, unbending, adamant.
  Inflexible, relentless, implacable, inexorable imply having the quality of not being turned from a purpose.
  Inflexible means unbending, adhering undeviatingly to a set plan, purpose, or the like:
  inflexible in interpretation of rules; an inflexible will.
  Relentless suggests so pitiless and unremitting a pursuit of purpose as to convey a sense of inevitableness:
  as relentless as the passing of time.
  Implacable means incapable of being placated or appeased:
  implacable in wrath.
  Inexorable means unmoved by prayer or entreaty:
  inexorable in demanding payment.
• 3. undeviating.

Antonyms

• 2. amenable.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

inflexible / ɪnˈflɛksəb^əl/ adjective

1. not flexible; rigid; stiff
2. obstinate; unyielding
3. without variation; unalterable; fixed

Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin inflexībilis; see inflect

inˌflexiˈbility, inˈflexibleness noun

inˈflexibly adverb