unumgänglich

Unumgänglich is a German adjective that translates to "unavoidable," "inevitable," or "indispensable" in English. It describes something that cannot be bypassed, escaped, or done without. The word is formed from the prefix "un-" (meaning not), the verb "gänglich" (meaning common, current, or passable), and the suffix "-lich" (an adjectival suffix). Therefore, literally, it signifies something that is not passable or not commonly accepted as avoidable.

The concept of unumgänglich often arises in contexts where a particular action, event, or circumstance is considered a necessary step or consequence. For instance, a difficult but necessary task might be described as unumgänglich for achieving a larger goal. Similarly, certain laws or regulations can be deemed unumgänglich for the functioning of a society. In a personal context, a difficult decision or a painful experience might be seen as unumgänglich for personal growth.

The term carries a sense of necessity and often implies a lack of alternative options. When something is unumgänglich, it must be faced or accepted. It suggests a situation where resistance or avoidance is futile or counterproductive. The degree of necessity can vary, but the core meaning remains that the subject cannot be avoided.