1.
unavoidable; inevitable; cannot be avoided
Something that cannot be escaped or prevented, no matter what measures are taken.
老化は避けられない。
Aging is unavoidable.
この問題との対決は避けられない。
A confrontation with this problem is unavoidable.
グローバル化が進む中で、異文化との接触は避けられないものとなっている。
As globalization advances, contact with other cultures has become something that cannot be avoided.
The negative potential form of 避ける (to avoid). While grammatically a verb form, it functions as a set expression equivalent to English "unavoidable" or "inevitable." Very common in both spoken and written Japanese for discussing things beyond one's control.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 避けられない問題: unavoidable problem
- 避けられない運命: inescapable fate
- 避けられない結果: inevitable result
- どうしても避けられない: absolutely unavoidable
USAGE:
Often used when acknowledging difficult realities or arguing that something must be addressed. The expression carries a tone of resignation or acceptance.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 不可避: unavoidable — a more formal, written synonym (Sino-Japanese compound)
- 免れない: cannot escape — similar meaning, slightly more literary
- やむを得ない: unavoidable, can't be helped — focuses on the lack of alternatives rather than the impossibility of avoidance