inflexibel

Inflexibel is an adjective used in Dutch and related Germanic languages to describe something that is not flexible, resistant to bending, adaptation, or change. The term is commonly applied to physical properties as well as to attitudes, systems, or processes that resist modification. It denotes rigidity and contrasts with the related term flexibel.

In materials science or engineering, inflexibel characterizes substances with high stiffness and limited ability to undergo permanent deformation. Such materials may maintain shape under load but have low ductility, making them less able to absorb shocks or adapt to uneven conditions. In organizational, regulatory, or policy contexts, inflexibel describes fixed procedures, schedules, or rules that are slow to respond to new information, shifts in demand, or changing circumstances. In product design and user experience, inflexibel workflows or interfaces can hinder usability and resilience, especially in dynamic environments.

The concept is often discussed in relation to flexibility and adaptability. While inflexibel systems can offer predictability and standardization, they may also incur costs through reduced responsiveness, innovation, and stakeholder satisfaction. Balancing rigidity and adaptability is a common objective in engineering, management, and policy-making, where the appropriate degree of inflexibility depends on goals, risks, and the surrounding environment.

Synonyms and near-synonyms include rigid and inflexibility; antonyms include flexibel, adaptable, and malleable. The term is usually translated as inflexible in English, with nuance depending on context.