adjective
impregnable
im-PREG-nuh-bul/ɪmˈpreɡnəbl/
Impossible or extremely difficult to overcome.
The castle's thick stone walls make it impregnable to attack.
Etymology
Prenable meant capable of being captured, from prendre, ‘to take or seize.’ The negative prefix makes an impregnable position one that cannot be taken, hence something resistant to entry or defeat.
In context
the supposed impregnable trench. Rumors had already reached us that this trench was taken.
More examples
- Their defense seems impregnable until the final minutes of the game.
- No computer network is completely impregnable.
- Strong evidence makes her argument nearly impregnable.
Forms
impregnable
impregnability noun — The quality of resisting attack or defeat.
Similar words
- invincible
- Emphasizes inability to be defeated rather than defensive strength.
- unassailable
- Especially suited to positions or arguments that resist challenge.
- impenetrable
- Emphasizes blocking entry or passage rather than resisting defeat.