Inflexible

/ɪnˈflɛksɪbəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Not able to be bent or changed; rigid or unyielding.

The inflexible rules of the competition left no room for interpretation.

Not willing to change or adapt; stubborn.

Her inflexible attitude towards the new policy made collaboration difficult.

Strictly adhering to a principle or standard; not open to compromise.

The lawyer's inflexible stance on the matter made negotiations challenging.

Latin 'inflexibilis', from in- 'not' + flexibilis 'capable of being bent'.

to be inflexible

to be rigid and unable to adapt to new ideas or changes.

inflexible rules

strict guidelines that do not allow exceptions.

flexible

capable of bending easily without breaking.

rigid

unable to bend or be forced out of shape.

adaptable

able to adjust to new conditions.

Set in one's ways

My dad is so set in his ways that he won't try new things.

Stuck in a rut

She's stuck in a rut and refuses to change her routine.