inevitability

UK: ɪˌnevɪtəˈbɪləti | US: ɪˌnevɪtəˈbɪləti

Definition

  1. n. the quality or state of being impossible to avoid or prevent

  2. n. something that is certain to happen

Structure
in <not>evit <avoid>ability <noun suffix>
Etymology

inevitability = in<not> + evit<avoid> + ability<noun suffix>

  • in-: Prefix meaning "not" (from Latin in-).
  • evit: Root derived from Latin evitare (to avoid), from e- (out) + vitare (to shun).
  • -ability: Noun-forming suffix indicating capacity or quality (from Latin -abilitas).

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin inevitabilis, combining in- (negation) + evitabilis (avoidable). Over time, evitabilis evolved from vitare (to shun), reflecting the core idea of "unavoidability." The suffix -ity (from Latin -itas) was later added to form the noun, solidifying its meaning as an inescapable certainty.

Examples

  1. The inevitability of aging is a universal truth.

  2. She accepted the inevitability of change with grace.

  3. Technological progress seems to carry an air of inevitability.

  4. The report highlighted the inevitability of economic shifts.

  5. His resignation was treated as an inevitability by the board.