ineluctable

/ɪn.ɪˈlʌk.tə.bəl/

Group 32Difficulty 3/3

Definition

(adjective)
Unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable
GRE

Example in Context

The report described climate change as an ineluctable challenge that demanded immediate action regardless of political convenience.

Synonyms

unavoidableinevitableinescapable

Etymology

Not able to struggle out of a situation, hence inescapable.

  • in- (Latin) — not
  • eluctari (Latin) — to struggle out

Memory Aid

🛁Sounds like “in-lick-tub

If you fall into a tub that's IN-LICKED by a thousand hungry cats, escape is INELUCTABLE!

Visual Association

🕳️A person trapped in a swirling vortex with no way out, realizing their fate is ineluctable.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “ineluctable” mean on the GRE?

ineluctable (adjective) means “Unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable”. The report described climate change as an ineluctable challenge that demanded immediate action regardless of political convenience.

How to remember “ineluctable” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “ineluctable” sounds like “in-lick-tub”. If you fall into a tub that's IN-LICKED by a thousand hungry cats, escape is INELUCTABLE!

What are synonyms for “ineluctable”?

Common synonyms: unavoidable, inevitable, inescapable.