Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Impregnable: meaning, definitions and examples

🏰
Add to dictionary

impregnable

 

[ɪmˈprɛɡnəbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

castle defense

Unable to be captured or entered by force; secure against attack.

Synonyms

invincible, unassailable, unconquerable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
impregnable

Used to describe a structure that cannot be broken into or a position that is very strong and secure.

  • The fortress was considered impregnable because of its high walls and strong defenses
invincible

Describes someone or something that seems impossible to defeat or overcome in a fight or competition.

  • She felt invincible after winning all her matches in the tournament
unassailable

Used when referring to something that cannot be attacked, questioned, or defeated either physically or logically.

  • His argument was so well-crafted that it was unassailable
unconquerable

Describes a spirit, will, or territory that cannot be conquered or subdued, often used in more poetic or literary contexts.

  • Her unconquerable spirit inspired everyone who met her

Examples of usage

  • The impregnable fortress stood strong against the enemy's siege.
  • Despite numerous attempts, the impregnable walls of the castle could not be breached.
Context #2 | Adjective

argument

Unable to be overcome or refuted; strong and convincing.

Synonyms

unassailable, unbeatable, unshakeable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
impregnable

Best used when describing a fortress or defense that cannot be entered or overcome.

  • The castle walls were impregnable, making it impossible for enemies to penetrate
  • The security system is impregnable to hackers
unassailable

Appropriate for describing something that cannot be attacked, questioned, or defeated, often used in both physical and abstract contexts.

  • Her argument was unassailable, leaving no room for debate
  • The team's lead was unassailable, ensuring their victory
unshakeable

Used to describe something stable and secure, not easily moved or influenced, often applied to beliefs, convictions, or trust.

  • Her unshakeable faith gave her strength during hard times
  • They had an unshakeable trust in each other
unbeatable

Typically used to describe an entity, like a team or record, that is so superior it cannot be defeated.

  • The team's unbeaten streak made them seem unbeatable
  • The store offers unbeatable prices on electronics

Examples of usage

  • Her impregnable logic left no room for doubt.
  • His impregnable defense of the theory silenced all opposition.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'impregnabilis,' meaning 'not able to be taken by siege.'
  • It is composed of the prefix 'im-' (not) and 'pregnare' (to seize or take).
  • It was first used in English in the early 1600s, primarily in military contexts.

Military History

  • Fortresses built during the Middle Ages were designed to be impregnable, using thick walls and strategic locations.
  • The famous Maginot Line was considered impregnable, intended to protect France from invasion during World War II, but it was bypassed.
  • Many ancient cities, like Troy, were thought to be impregnable due to their protective walls and surrounding natural defenses.

Architecture

  • Modern architecture employs advanced materials, making buildings increasingly impregnable to natural disasters and attacks.
  • Impregnable designs often include bulletproof glass, reinforced steel, and advanced security systems.
  • Historic castles are an example of impregnable structures, with moats and drawbridges adding to their defenses.

Literature

  • In literature, impregnable settings often create an atmosphere of mystery and challenge, as heroes must find a way to breach them.
  • The concept can be used metaphorically, representing emotional barriers that characters cannot overcome.

Pop Culture

  • In action films, the antagonist might have an impregnable hideout that the protagonist must infiltrate, creating tension.
  • Video games often feature impregnable fortresses where players must devise clever strategies to succeed.

Translations

Translations of the word "impregnable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impenetrável

🇮🇳 अभेद्य

🇩🇪 uneinnehmbar

🇮🇩 tak tertembus

🇺🇦 неприступний

🇵🇱 niezdobyty

🇯🇵 難攻不落

🇫🇷 imprenable

🇪🇸 impenetrable

🇹🇷 ele geçirilemez

🇰🇷 난공불락

🇸🇦 لا يُقهر

🇨🇿 nepřístupný

🇸🇰 nedobytný

🇨🇳 坚不可摧

🇸🇮 nepremagljiv

🇮🇸 ósigrandi

🇰🇿 алынбайтын

🇬🇪 დაუძლეველი

🇦🇿 alınmaz

🇲🇽 impenetrable

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,438, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.