Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: uncertain
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
“Inevitable” means certain to happen. In planning and risk language, it signals an outcome that cannot be avoided. The antonym must negate certainty. Although “avoidable” would be an even tighter opposite, among the provided options the best available antonym is “uncertain,” which directly counters the idea of inevitability by removing certainty about occurrence.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In probability terms, inevitable ≈ probability near 1; uncertain ≈ probability unknown or significantly less than certain. Other choices belong to different semantic fields (visibility, competence, qualification) and do not oppose certainty. Hence “uncertain” is the most appropriate antonym from the list provided.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Replace in the sentence: “confusion seems uncertain.” This explicitly denies certainty. While “avoidable” would better match causal preventability, it is not available; therefore “uncertain” is correct within the given set.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Letting desirability confuse antonymy. The opposite of a certain outcome is an uncertain one, irrespective of whether the result is good or bad.
Final Answer:
uncertain
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