inalienable

IPA/ɪnˈeɪliənəbl/
KK[ˌɪnˈeljənəbəl]IPA/ɪnˈeɪliənəbl/

inalienable — adjective

  • inalienablepositive
  • more inalienablecomparative
  • most inalienablesuperlative

1. belonging to a person or group in a way that cannot legally be given away, sold,

1.形容詞C1
釋義

belonging to a person or group in a way that cannot legally be given away, sold, ended, or taken by someone else — used especially for basic human rights such as freedom or equality.

例句

Judge Adisa ruled that free speech is an inalienable right protected by the constitution.

attributive: inalienable + right

For the Tanvi family, the fishing waters were an inalienable part of their heritage.

inalienable + part of

同義詞
  • absolute

    stronger and broader; an absolute right may imply no limitations at all, whereas inalienable focuses on non-transferability

  • inherent

    focuses on being a natural part of something; less legal and formal than inalienable

  • inviolable

    stronger, often used for sacred or deeply protected principles; overlaps with inalienable but carries moral weight

  • non-negotiable

    informal equivalent; used in everyday contexts where inalienable would sound too formal

反義詞
  • alienable

    the direct opposite; technically means able to be transferred or given away; rare outside legal writing

  • transferable

    able to be passed from one person to another; common in legal and commercial contexts

  • revocable

    able to be taken back or cancelled; focuses on the ability to undo rather than transfer

文法句型

inalienable + noun (especially right/rights/part/quality)

用法筆記

Almost always used attributively (before a noun). Most commonly paired with right or rights in legal, political, and philosophical contexts. The noun it modifies is typically an abstract entitlement or attribute, not a physical object.

常見錯誤

The government took away our inalienable freedom.
The government violated our inalienable right to freedom.
💡inalienable describes the right or entitlement itself, not the thing being taken away.
This is an inalienable problem.
This right is inalienable.
💡inalienable is only used for rights, qualities, or entitlements, not for problems, objects, or situations.