Inflexible vs. Unflexible — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
"Inflexible," meaning not flexible or rigid, is the correct spelling, while "unflexible" is incorrect.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Inflexible or Unflexible
How to spell Inflexible?
Inflexible
Correct Spelling
Unflexible
Incorrect Spelling
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Key Differences
Rhyme and Reason: “Inflexible, not bendable, ensures the spelling is commendable.”
Prefix Strategy: Recall the common prefix “in-” for negation: incapable, inaccurate, inflexible.
In + Flexible: Simply combine "in" and "flexible."
Remember through usage: Repeatedly use “inflexible” in sentences to enhance memory.
Flexible Reminder: Think of flexibility in yoga; when not possible, it’s “inflexible.”
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How Do You Spell Unflexible Correctly?
Incorrect: She found the rules to be too unflexible.
Correct: She found the rules to be too inflexible.
Incorrect: He is known to be an unflexible negotiator.
Correct: He is known to be an inflexible negotiator.
Incorrect: The material is unflexible, making it hard to work with.
Correct: The material is inflexible, making it hard to work with.
Incorrect: The schedule is too unflexible for any changes.
Correct: The schedule is too inflexible for any changes.
Incorrect: Their policy is quite unflexible and strict.
Correct: Their policy is quite inflexible and strict.
Inflexible Definitions
Morally Inflexible: Strict and unyielding in moral or ethical principles;
Her inflexible integrity was widely respected.
Schedule Inflexible: Not adjustable or alterable;
Her schedule was inflexible due to numerous appointments.
Physically Inflexible: Unable to bend or be forced out of shape;
The material was inflexible and sturdy.
Not easily bent; stiff or rigid. See stiff.
Incapable of being changed; unalterable
An inflexible rule.
Refusing to change one's attitude, purpose, or principles; immovable
An inflexible disciplinarian.
Not flexible; not capable of bending or being bent.
Not willing to change, e.g. one's opinion or habits.
Not able to be changed or adapted to circumstances.
Not capable of being bent; stiff; rigid; firm; unyielding.
Firm in will or purpose; not to be turned, changed, or altered; resolute; determined; unyieding; inexorable; stubborn.
"Inflexibleas steel."
A man of upright and inflexible temper . . . can overcome all private fear.
Incapable of change; unalterable; immutable.
The nature of things is inflexible.
Extended meanings; incapable of change;
A man of inflexible purpose
Not making concessions;
Took an uncompromising stance in the peace talks
Uncompromising honesty
Literal meanings;
An inflexible iron bar
An inflexible knife blade
Incapable of adapting or changing to meet circumstances;
A rigid disciplinarian
An inflexible law
An unbending will to dominate
Emotionally Inflexible: Unwilling to compromise or change one's views;
He was inflexible in his beliefs.
Strategically Inflexible: Unable to adapt to various tactics;
The team’s inflexible strategy led to defeat.
Inflexible Meaning in a Sentence
The old machine is inflexible and can't be updated.
Inflexible thinking can prevent creative solutions.
He has an inflexible attitude toward change.
The program is too inflexible for user customization.
Inflexible materials are not suitable for this design.
Inflexible rules can stifle creativity in students.
Her schedule is inflexible, leaving no time for leisure.
The bridge's design is inflexible, which could be a safety risk.
The company's inflexible policies led to employee dissatisfaction.
The teacher was inflexible about the deadline.
Inflexible job requirements exclude many potential candidates.
An inflexible budget makes it hard to deal with unexpected expenses.
The system is inflexible and doesn't adapt well to new technologies.
The software's inflexible structure limits its applicability.
Their inflexible stance on the issue caused a lot of debates.
The joints become inflexible with age.
An inflexible diet plan is hard to follow long term.
Being inflexible about bedtime makes it hard when traveling.
His inflexible approach made negotiation difficult.
The plan was too inflexible, lacking contingency options.
Inflexible workout routines can lead to injury.
An inflexible mindset can hinder personal growth.
Inflexible lesson plans don't account for students' varying needs.
The law is inflexible and applies to everyone equally.
The team's strategy was inflexible, leading to a loss.
Common Curiosities
What is the pronunciation of inflexible?
/ɪnˈflɛksɪbəl/
What is the root word of inflexible?
Flexible.
Which vowel is used before inflexible?
Depends on the context; both “a” and “an” can be used.
What is the plural form of inflexible?
Inflexibles (though rare).
What is the singular form of inflexible?
Inflexible.
Which preposition is used with inflexible?
Varies; “on,” “to,” and “with” are possibilities depending on sentence context.
Is inflexible an abstract noun?
No.
Why is it called inflexible?
Inflexible is named so for its Latin roots "in-" (not) and "flexibilis" (bendable), together meaning not bendable.
What is the verb form of inflexible?
Inflexible doesn’t have a verb form.
Which article is used with inflexible?
“An” or “the” can be used based on the context.
Is inflexible an adverb?
No.
Is inflexible a negative or positive word?
Negative.
Which determiner is used with inflexible?
Can be “this,” “that,” “my,” etc., depending on context.
Which conjunction is used with inflexible?
No specific conjunction is standardly used with inflexible.
Is inflexible a noun or adjective?
Adjective.
Is inflexible a collective noun?
No.
Is the inflexible term a metaphor?
No, but it can be used metaphorically.
How do we divide inflexible into syllables?
In-flex-i-ble.
Is inflexible a countable noun?
No.
What is a stressed syllable in inflexible?
Flex.
How many syllables are in inflexible?
Four.
What is another term for inflexible?
Rigid.
What is the opposite of inflexible?
Flexible.
How is inflexible used in a sentence?
The inflexible rod did not bend despite the pressure applied to it.
Is inflexible a vowel or consonant?
It is a word, not a vowel or consonant.
Is the word inflexible is imperative?
No.
Is the word inflexible is Gerund?
No.
Is the word “inflexible” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be neither, as it’s an adjective.
What part of speech is inflexible?
Adjective.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
