unavoidable

adjective

un·​avoid·​able ˌən-ə-ˈvȯi-də-bəl How to pronounce unavoidable (audio)
: not avoidable : inevitable
The accident was unavoidable.
unavoidably adverb

Examples of unavoidable in a Sentence

unfortunately, kitchen duty will be unavoidable tonight
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are some unavoidable drawbacks to its more limited memory, though. ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025 In that sense, some researchers consider infinity—and undecidability—to be an unavoidable aspect of our reality. Charlie Wood, Wired News, 6 Apr. 2025 This week will be a bit different, not to mention unavoidable as storylines are sure to be exhausted by tip-off time. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025 Russia’s initiatives make competition, though not necessarily confrontation, in that realm unavoidable today. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unavoidable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unavoidable was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unavoidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unavoidable. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

unavoidable

adjective
un·​avoid·​able ˌən-ə-ˈvȯid-ə-bəl How to pronounce unavoidable (audio)
: not avoidable : inevitable
the accident was unavoidable
unavoidably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unavoidable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!