Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Invulnerable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🛡️
Add to dictionary

invulnerable

[ɪnˈvʌlnərəbl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Not capable of being wounded, hurt, or damaged.

Synonyms

impervious, indestructible, unassailable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
invulnerable

Used to describe someone or something that cannot be harmed or damaged. Often used in a figurative sense to describe emotional or reputational protection.

  • The superhero is invulnerable to attacks.
  • Her self-confidence makes her invulnerable to criticism.
impervious

Commonly used to describe a material or surface that cannot be penetrated by water, air, or other substances. Can also be used figuratively to describe someone who is unaffected by emotions or other influences.

  • The raincoat fabric is impervious to water.
  • She remained impervious to their insults.
indestructible

Typically used to describe objects, materials, or beings that cannot be destroyed. Often implies physical toughness and endurance.

  • This phone case is indestructible.
  • The ancient relic seemed indestructible despite the years.
unassailable

Best used to describe arguments, positions, or achievements that cannot be questioned, attacked, or disproven. It conveys a sense of being above any challenge or criticism.

  • Her reputation in the field is unassailable.
  • The fortress was in an unassailable position on the hilltop.

Examples of usage

  • He seemed invulnerable to criticism.
  • Her invulnerable attitude made her a strong leader.
Context #2 | Adjective

physical

Not able to be wounded or harmed physically.

Synonyms

impenetrable, invincible, untouchable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
invulnerable

Used to describe something or someone that cannot be harmed or damaged in any way, often in physical or emotional aspects.

  • The fortress seemed invulnerable to any attacks
  • After years of experience, she felt invulnerable to criticism
impenetrable

Best used when talking about something that cannot be entered, passed through, or understood. Often refers to physical barriers or complex subjects.

  • The jungle was so dense it was almost impenetrable
  • His scientific theories were impenetrable to the average person
invincible

Applied to describe someone or something that cannot be defeated, often used in a heroic or exaggerated sense.

  • The superhero felt invincible after saving the city
  • With their new strategy, the team seemed invincible in every match
untouchable

Refers to someone or something that is unreachable or immune to criticism, often used in a metaphorical or emotional sense.

  • The celebrity's status made her feel untouchable
  • His reputation was so strong that he seemed untouchable

Examples of usage

  • The superhero appeared invulnerable to bullets.
  • The castle was built to be invulnerable to enemy attacks.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Characters depicted as invulnerable often represent ideals of strength and resilience, seen in many superhero comics.
  • Epic tales like those of Achilles explore the theme of vulnerability, alongside the notion of invulnerability through his near-immortal status.

Psychology

  • People often seek invulnerability as a defense mechanism against fear or anxiety, believing that emotional toughness can prevent hurt.
  • The paradox of wanting to be invulnerable can lead to feelings of isolation or disconnection from others.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, superheroes are often portrayed as invulnerable to emphasize their power, contrasting with the vulnerabilities of regular people.
  • Popular video games frequently feature characters or items labeled invulnerable, providing a temporary state of safety during challenges.

History

  • Throughout history, many armies have sought technologies or strategies that would make their forces invulnerable to enemy attacks.
  • Medieval castle designs aimed to create invulnerable fortifications capable of withstanding sieges for extended periods.

Origin of 'invulnerable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'invulnerabilis,' which means 'not able to be wounded.'
  • It is formed from 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'vulnerabilis,' which comes from 'vulnus,' meaning 'wound.'

The word 'invulnerable' originated from the Latin word 'invulnerabilis', which is a combination of 'in-' (not) and 'vulnerare' (to wound). The concept of invulnerability has been present in mythology and folklore, where heroes or deities were often described as invulnerable to harm. Over time, the word has been used to describe individuals or things that are impervious to damage or harm.

See also: invulnerability, vulnerabilities, vulnerably.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,676, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.