unaufhaltsam
unstoppable
Describes a process or movement that cannot be halted or stopped in its course.
EXAMPLE
Der technische Fortschritt scheint unaufhaltsam zu sein.
Technological progress seems to be unstoppable.
unaufhaltsam
unstoppable
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word can be easily broken down: the prefix 'un-' means 'not', 'aufhalten' means 'to stop', and the ending '-sam' turns it into an adjective. So 'unaufhaltsam' (unstoppable) literally means 'not able to be stopped'.
EXAMPLE
Die Welle rollte unaufhaltsam auf die Küste zu.
The wave rolled unstoppably toward the coast.
Typical collocations
This adjective is often used to describe large, abstract processes or powerful forces of nature. Common combinations are 'der unaufhaltsame Fortschritt' (unstoppable progress), 'der unaufhaltsame Wandel' (unstoppable change), or 'eine unaufhaltsame Lawine' (an unstoppable avalanche).
EXAMPLE
Der unaufhaltsame Aufstieg der künstlichen Intelligenz verändert unsere Welt.
The unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence is changing our world.
Use as an adverb
'Unaufhaltsam' (unstoppable / unstoppably) can also be used as an adverb to describe how an action happens. In this case, it is not declined and usually stands with the verb.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeit vergeht unaufhaltsam.
Time passes unstoppably.
Compare with
unaufhaltsam vs unvermeidlich
unavoidable
Unvermeidlich describes an event or outcome that cannot be prevented. Unaufhaltsam, by contrast, refers to a process or movement that is already under way and cannot be stopped. Use unvermeidlich for the inevitable result and unaufhaltsam for a course of events that can no longer be halted.
unaufhaltsam
Nach dem Dammbruch strömte das Wasser unaufhaltsam ins Tal.
After the dam broke, the water flowed unstoppably into the valley.
unvermeidlich
Nach dem Motorschaden war eine Verspätung unvermeidlich.
After the engine failure, a delay was unavoidable.
In real life
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