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Inalienable

in-AY-lee-uh-buhl /ɪnˈeɪliənəbəl/

adjectiveC1GRESATTOEFL

formallegalphilosophical

Unable to be taken away from or given away by the possessor.

This term is almost exclusively used in the context of rights, particularly fundamental human rights, emphasizing that they are inherent and cannot be surrendered or transferred. It implies a moral or natural right, not merely a legal one.

The story behind the word. The word 'inalienable' is formed from the Latin prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not' or 'opposite of') combined with 'alienabilis,' which means 'that can be alienated or transferred.' 'Alienabilis' comes from 'alienare,' meaning 'to make another's, to transfer,' and ultimately from 'alienus,' meaning 'of another, foreign.' So, 'inalienable' literally means 'not able to be made another's' or 'not able to be transferred away.'

Word relationships

Indefeasible: Not able to be annulled or made void; often used in legal contexts for titles or rights.
Untransferable: Cannot be transferred to another person.
Inherent: Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.

Alienate: To transfer ownership of (property or rights) to another person.
Transferable: Able to be transferred.
Revocable: Capable of being canceled or withdrawn.

Word family

alienate (verb): to transfer ownership of (property or rights) to another person.
alienation (noun): the transfer of ownership of property rights.

Collocations

inalienable rights
inalienable dignity
inalienable possession

Example sentences

"The Declaration of Independence asserts that all men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Foundational principles.
"Philosophers debate whether the right to privacy is an inalienable right or a social construct." Philosophical discourse.
"Many international human rights treaties recognize the inalienable right to self-determination for all peoples." International law.

Memory hook

Think 'IN-ALIEN-able' as 'IN' (not) 'ALIEN' (foreign/transferable) – meaning it cannot be made foreign or transferred away from you. Cannot be ALIENated.

When not to use

Do not use 'inalienable' for things that can actually be taken away or transferred (e.g., 'my inalienable car' is incorrect, as a car can be sold or stolen). It applies to fundamental rights, not possessions.

Fun facts

While the U.S. Declaration of Independence uses 'unalienable,' 'inalienable' is the more common spelling today. Both mean the same thing.