Word
inexorably
Phoneticsin·ex·orably
US/ˌɪˈnɛksɝəbɫi/
UK/ɪnˈɛksəɹəbli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that cannot be stopped or changed. You use it when something keeps moving toward an end, even if people want to stop it.
adv. in a manner that cannot be stopped, changed, or resisted, advancing steadily toward an inevitable outcome. Often modifies verbs of motion or change such as advance, drift, or slide.
Examples
“Time moves inexorably forward every day.”
“The small town changes inexorably as new roads and shops replace the old farms.”
“The glacier advances inexorably down the valley, reshaping rock that has stood for millennia with quiet, unstoppable force.”
Examples
simple
“Time moves inexorably forward every day.”
contextual
“The small town changes inexorably as new roads and shops replace the old farms.”
complex
“The glacier advances inexorably down the valley, reshaping rock that has stood for millennia with quiet, unstoppable force.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “inexorably” in context.
Verb
01. drift inexorably
“Without reform, the country drifted inexorably toward authoritarian rule.”
verb + adv
02. head inexorably
“Scientists warn the planet is heading inexorably toward irreversible warming.”
verb + adv
03. lead inexorably to
“Unchecked nationalism led inexorably to war in the last century.”
verb + adv + prep
04. march inexorably
“The army marched inexorably toward the capital despite international pressure.”
verb + adv
05. move inexorably
“The glacier moved inexorably down the valley, reshaping the landscape.”
verb + adv
06. progress inexorably towards
“Talks progressed inexorably towards a final, unavoidable compromise.”
verb + adv + prep
Adjective
07. inexorably bound
“The two nations seem inexorably bound to repeat the mistakes of history.”
adv + adj
08. inexorably intertwined
“Climate change and global poverty are now inexorably intertwined.”
adv + adj
09. inexorably linked
“Economic growth and energy consumption remain inexorably linked in many economies.”
adv + adj
10. draw inexorably closer
“As winter approached, the deadline drew inexorably closer.”
11. drift inexorably towards crisis
“Without intervention, the region will drift inexorably towards crisis.”
12. march inexorably towards war
“Despite diplomacy, the two powers marched inexorably towards war.”
Usage
Typically placed after the verb it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“World demand has inexorably and silently been sneaking up,” said Jim Prokopanko, chief executive officer of the world's second largest fertilizer producer Mosaic Co.” Etymology
From inexorable + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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