Definition of inflexible

< inflexed

inflexion >

in·flex·i·ble    (n-flks-bl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Not easily bent; stiff or rigid.
2. Incapable of being changed; unalterable.
3. Unyielding in purpose, principle, or temper; immovable.

OTHER FORMS:
in·flexi·bili·ty or in·flexi·ble·ness(Noun), in·flexi·bly(Adverb)

SYNONYMS:
inflexible, inexorable, adamant, obdurate

These adjectives mean not capable of being swayed or diverted from a course. Inflexible implies unyielding adherence to fixed principles or purposes: My boss is inflexible on many issues. Inexorable implies lack of susceptibility to persuasion: "Cynthia was inexorableshe would have none of him" (Winston Churchill). It also describes things that are inevitable, relentless, and often severe in effect: "Russia's final hour, it seemed, approached with inexorable certainty" (W. Bruce Lincoln). Adamant implies imperviousness to pleas or appeals: He is adamant about leaving right now. Obdurate implies hard, callous resistance to tender feelings: The child's misery would move even the most obdurate heart. See also Synonyms at stiff.