inflexible

[ in-flek-suh-buhl ]
/ ɪnˈflɛk sə bəl /

adjective

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

Origin of inflexible

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

SYNONYMS FOR inflexible

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.

OTHER WORDS FROM inflexible

in·flex·i·bil·i·ty, in·flex·i·ble·ness, noun in·flex·i·bly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for inflexibility

British Dictionary definitions for inflexibility

inflexible
/ (ɪnˈflɛksəbəl) /

adjective

not flexible; rigid; stiff
obstinate; unyielding
without variation; unalterable; fixed

Derived forms of inflexible

inflexibility or inflexibleness, noun inflexibly, adverb

Word Origin for inflexible

C14: from Latin inflexībilis; see inflect