inexorably

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inexorably" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is occurring without any possibility of being changed or stopped. Example: The inexorably rising costs of living were becoming a burden for many families.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The EU is an important bloc, but its influence is inexorably waning.

The Guardian - Opinion

You feel totally dizzy, a bit sick, your balance goes and you need to slow down – but if you slow down on this one, you get done in by the camels that are coming slowly but inexorably behind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The film hints at the scale of the challenge that faced Hawking's wife as the disease crept inexorably into him.

The Guardian - Opinion

It isn't just geekiness and computer wizardry (though now I say wizard, my thoughts chase inexorably to Daniel Radcliffe, possibly the truest embodiment of this entire trend. What would the 1950s have made of him, as a poster boy? Picture him opposite James Dean. They're like different species).

The Guardian - Film

To the dismay of inexperienced politicians in his left-dominated coalition, creditors have dug in their heels with cash reserves drying up inexorably as negotiations over a deal to unlock further bailout funds have gone to the wire.

The Guardian

An accelerating national drama involving leading government figures, conspiracy claims, personal smears, sodomy allegations and a grizzly murder appears to be driving Malaysia inexorably towards its biggest political upheaval since independence in 1957.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two years ago he made a spectacular breakthrough, bowling with effortless menace against Pakistan in the Emirates, looking like one of the best young fast bowlers in the world and seeming set inexorably on an upward sporting trajectory.

The Guardian - Sport

This strategy has demonstrably failed, as the UK economy looks to have gone back into recession, public borrowing is on the rise, business and consumer confidence and spending have collapsed and unemployment is rising inexorably.

The Guardian - Opinion

And now that voice, of course, is inexorably identified as Stephen's voice.

The Guardian

But as the number of orphans has inexorably risen, extended families become overburdened with children, and child-headed households are becoming increasingly common.

The Guardian

But this suggested that as national incomes rose, the savings ratio would rise inexorably, making it more and more difficult to generate matching investment, and leading eventually to potential stagnation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inexorably" to describe processes or changes that are not only happening but are also impossible to stop or prevent. It adds a sense of inevitability and force to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "inexorably" when you simply mean something is happening fast. "Inexorably" emphasizes the unstoppable nature of the process, not its speed. If speed is what you want to convey, use words like "rapidly" or "swiftly" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inexorably" is as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives to describe how an action is performed or a state is experienced. Ludwig AI confirms its standard use as a modifier indicating an unstoppable progression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "inexorably" functions as an adverb used to describe something progressing in an unstoppable manner. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, and also in Formal & Business, and Science writing. While alternatives like "relentlessly" or "inevitably" exist, "inexorably" uniquely emphasizes the impossibility of halting the action. Remember to use "inexorably" when conveying an unstoppable force rather than simply indicating speed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unstoppably

Focuses on the inability to halt the progression.

relentlessly

Emphasizes the persistent and unwavering nature of the action.

unavoidably

Highlights the inevitability of the outcome.

inevitably

Similar to unavoidably but with a slightly broader sense of certainty.

unalterably

Stresses the fixed and unchangeable quality of the situation.

irrevocably

Implies that the action cannot be taken back or reversed.

steadily

Suggests a continuous and consistent, though not necessarily forceful, movement.

persistently

Focuses on the continuous and repetitive nature of the action.

implacably

Highlights the inability to appease or pacify the force behind the action.

irresistibly

Implies that the force is too strong to be opposed.

FAQs

How to use "inexorably" in a sentence?

"Inexorably" describes something progressing in a way that cannot be stopped or prevented. For instance, "The climate is "changing inexorably", leading to rising sea levels."

What can I say instead of "inexorably"?

You can use alternatives like "relentlessly", "unstoppably", or "inevitably" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "inexorably increasing"?

Yes, "inexorably increasing" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that is increasing in a way that cannot be stopped. For example, "The demand for renewable energy is "inexorably increasing"."

What's the difference between "inexorably" and "gradually"?

"Inexorably" emphasizes the unstoppable nature of a process, while "gradually" simply means something is happening slowly over time. Something can increase gradually, but not necessarily "inexorably". The key difference lies in the sense of inevitability.