unavoidable

UK: ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəbl | US: ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəbl

Definition

  1. adj. impossible to avoid or prevent

  2. adj. inevitable under given circumstances

Structure
un <not>avoid <escape>able <capable of>
Etymology

The word "unavoidable" combines three morphemes:

  1. "un-" (Old English "un-"), a prefix meaning "not," negating the root.
  2. "avoid" (from Old French "esvuider," meaning "to empty out" or "escape"), the core root implying evasion.
  3. "-able" (Latin "-abilis"), a suffix indicating capability.
    Originally, "avoid" referred to physically emptying or vacating a space, later evolving to mean "escaping responsibility." Adding "un-" and "-able" logically extends the meaning to "incapable of being escaped."
Examples

  1. The traffic jam was unavoidable due to the accident.

  2. His resignation seemed unavoidable after the scandal.

  3. Some conflicts are unavoidable in team projects.

  4. The delay was unavoidable because of bad weather.

  5. She accepted the unavoidable consequences of her decision.