How Do You Spell UNFLEXIBLE?

Pronunciation: [ʌnflˈɛksɪbə͡l] (IPA)

Unflexible, also spelled inflexible, is an adjective that refers to something or someone that is rigid, unbending or resistant to change. The word is pronounced /ʌnˈflɛksɪbəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the first syllable stressed. The prefix "un-" means "not," followed by the root word "flexible," which means the opposite of rigidness. Although the spelling inflexible is preferred by most English dictionaries, unflexible is also commonly used and has the same meaning.

UNFLEXIBLE Meaning and Definition

1. The term "unflexible" is an adjective used to describe a person, thing, or situation that lacks adaptability, rigidity, or the ability to easily change or adjust. It refers to an inflexible nature or the resistance to being bent, swayed, or modified.

   When describing a person, "unflexible" denotes someone who is resistant to new ideas, unwilling to compromise, or overly stubborn in their thinking or behavior. Such an individual may be rigid in their beliefs or resistant to change, making it difficult for them to adapt to new circumstances or consider alternative perspectives.

   In the context of an object or material, "unflexible" implies that it does not possess elasticity or pliability. It conveys an inherent stiffness or lack of malleability, making the object unable to be bent, stretched, or reshaped easily. This characteristic renders it less versatile or adaptable in various applications or situations.

   In a broader sense, "unflexible" can also describe a situation, process, or system that is unyielding and resistant to modification or alteration. Such circumstances may lack the capacity to adjust or accommodate new developments, hindering progress, innovation, or improvement. This term highlights the rigid nature of these situations, suggesting the need for flexibility or adaptability to facilitate growth, change, or success.

Common Misspellings for UNFLEXIBLE

• Unfaelible

Etymology of UNFLEXIBLE

The word "unflexible" is formed by combining the prefix "un-" with the adjective "flexible".

The prefix "un-" is derived from Old English "un-" or "unne-", which is used to indicate the opposite, absence, deprivation, or negation of something. In this case, it signifies the opposite or negation of flexibility.

The term "flexible" comes from the Latin word "flexibilis", which means capable of bending or adapting easily. It is derived from the verb "flectere", which means "to bend" in Latin. Over time, "flexible" has come to describe something or someone that is easily adaptable, pliable, or able to change according to different circumstances.