# inalienable

/ˌɪˈneɪɫjənəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɪnˈeɪliənəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inalienable
Updated: 2026-06-22

## Definition

describing a right or quality that you cannot lose or give away. These are things that belong to you forever, like your freedom of speech.

For teachers: describing a right or quality that cannot be surrendered, transferred, or taken away. Often used in legal or philosophical contexts to describe fundamental human rights.

## Examples

- The constitution guarantees inalienable rights like freedom of speech.
- The philosopher argued that certain human rights are inalienable and cannot be removed by any government.
- While the state may impose certain restrictions on property, the fundamental inalienable rights of the individual remain protected by the supreme law of the land.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.