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Impermeable: meaning, definitions and examples

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impermeable

 

[ɪmˈpɜː.mi.ə.bl̩ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

waterproof clothing

Not allowing liquid to pass through; waterproof.

Synonyms

impervious, waterproof, watertight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impermeable

Used to describe a material or surface that does not allow liquids or gases to pass through it. Often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The cloak was made from an impermeable fabric that kept the rain out
  • The laboratory uses impermeable barriers to prevent contamination
waterproof

Used to describe objects or materials that are specifically designed to prevent water from entering. Commonly used in everyday contexts, especially for clothing and gear.

  • The hiker wore a waterproof jacket to stay dry during the storm
  • My phone case is waterproof, so I can take pictures underwater
watertight

Used to describe a seal or construction that prevents water from entering or leaking. Often used in contexts related to containers or structures.

  • The submarine has a watertight hatch to ensure no water gets in
  • Make sure the jar is closed with a watertight lid to keep the contents fresh
impervious

Used when something cannot be affected or penetrated by a particular thing, often suggestive of a strong or resilient quality. Commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • The new paint is impervious to water damage
  • She remained impervious to criticism, continuing her work with confidence

Examples of usage

  • The impermeable raincoat kept me dry during the storm.
  • The impermeable fabric prevented any water from seeping through.
Context #2 | Adjective

unable to be influenced

Not able to be affected or influenced by something.

Synonyms

immune, invulnerable, resistant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
impermeable

When referring to materials or substances that do not allow liquids or gases to pass through.

  • The new raincoat is made of an impermeable fabric that keeps you dry.
  • Scientists are researching impermeable materials for undersea cables.
resistant

When describing a person, material, or organism that is able to withstand certain effects or influences; often in relation to illnesses, chemicals, or changes.

  • These plants are resistant to drought and can survive harsh climates.
  • He has become resistant to the antibiotic after years of use.
  • This fabric is resistant to stains.
immune

When describing a person or organism that is protected from a disease or effects of something harmful.

  • After the vaccination, she is immune to the flu.
  • He is immune to their criticism.
invulnerable

When talking about someone or something that is impossible to harm or damage, often used metaphorically.

  • The superhero is invulnerable to all forms of attack.
  • She seems invulnerable to failure, always bouncing back quickly.

Examples of usage

  • His impermeable attitude towards criticism often caused conflicts.
  • She had an impermeable determination to succeed.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'impermeabilis,' where 'im-' means 'not' and 'permeabilis' means 'able to pass through.'
  • It was first used in English in the early 19th century, primarily in scientific contexts.

Science

  • Impermeable materials, like certain plastics and metals, are crucial in construction for waterproofing.
  • In geology, impermeable layers of rock can trap oil and natural gas, forming reservoirs.
  • Biological membranes can be selectively impermeable, allowing certain substances to pass while blocking others.

Engineering

  • Waterproof barriers are built using impermeable membranes to protect buildings from water damage.
  • In environmental engineering, impermeable liners are used in landfills to prevent leachate from contaminating groundwater.

Environmental Impact

  • Impermeable surfaces like concrete can lead to increased surface runoff, affecting local ecosystems.
  • The use of impermeable materials in urban planning is crucial to manage flood risks and water drainage.

Cultural References

  • In literature, impermeability can symbolize emotional barriers or resilience against external pressures.
  • Art installations sometimes use impermeability to evoke discussions about human interaction with nature and the environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "impermeable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impermeável

🇮🇳 जलरोधक

🇩🇪 wasserdicht

🇮🇩 kedap air

🇺🇦 водонепроникний

🇵🇱 nieprzemakalny

🇯🇵 防水の

🇫🇷 imperméable

🇪🇸 impermeable

🇹🇷 su geçirmez

🇰🇷 방수의

🇸🇦 مقاوم للماء

🇨🇿 nepromokavý

🇸🇰 nepremokavý

🇨🇳 防水的

🇸🇮 neprepusten

🇮🇸 vatnsheldur

🇰🇿 су өткізбейтін

🇬🇪 წყალგაუმტარი

🇦🇿 su keçirməz

🇲🇽 impermeable

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,323, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.