Langimage
English

inflexibility

|in/flex/i/bil/i/ty|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˌɪnˌflɛksəˈbɪləti/

🇬🇧

/ˌɪnˌflɛksɪˈbɪləti/

unwillingness to change

Etymology
Etymology Information

'inflexibility' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inflexibilitas,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'flexibilis' meant 'flexible.'

Historical Evolution

'inflexibilitas' transformed into the French word 'inflexibilité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inflexibility' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'not capable of being bent,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'unwillingness to change or compromise.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the quality of being unwilling to change or compromise.

His inflexibility in negotiations led to a stalemate.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39