impregnable
/ɪmˈpreɡnəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˈpreɡnəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /im-ˈpreg-nə-bəl/ (ame, mw)
impregnable — adjective
- impregnablepositive
- more impregnablecomparative
- most impregnablesuperlative
1. A place such as a castle, fortress, or military base that is impregnable has bee
A place such as a castle, fortress, or military base that is impregnable has been built and defended so well that enemies cannot enter it or capture it.
The old fortress had walls over five metres thick, making it virtually impregnable.
collocation: virtually impregnable
During the siege, the citadel proved impregnable, and the enemy army eventually withdrew.
collocation: proved impregnable
Deepa argued that no nuclear bunker was truly impregnable to a direct missile strike.
The mountain base was considered an impregnable stronghold by both sides.
The ancient city's impregnable walls had kept invaders out for over a thousand years.
- unassailable
Very close in meaning; both come from siege warfare. 'Unassailable' is slightly more common in figurative use.
- impenetrable
Emphasises that nothing can get through, whereas 'impregnable' emphasises that no one can take control.
- invulnerable
Suggests the place cannot be harmed at all, not just that it cannot be entered or captured.
- vulnerable
Open to attack or capture; the direct opposite.
- penetrable
Can be entered or breached; less common in everyday use.
用法筆記
Often paired with 'virtually' or 'almost', especially in modern contexts where no defence is absolute. Common in historical or military writing about castles, forts, and fortified cities.
常見錯誤
2. A team, argument, or position that is impregnable is so strong that nobody can d
A team, argument, or position that is impregnable is so strong that nobody can defeat it, overcome it, or show that it is wrong.
Liam's team built an impregnable defence last season, conceding only three goals at home.
collocation: impregnable defence (sport)
The prosecutor's case seemed impregnable until a new witness came forward with fresh evidence.
collocation: seemed impregnable until
Wei held an impregnable lead of fifteen points with only two races left on the calendar.
Nadia's reasoning was so carefully constructed that it was virtually impregnable to criticism.
Winning the contract would give the company an impregnable position in the Asian market.
- unassailable
Very similar; common in formal and competitive contexts. 'An unassailable lead' is a set phrase.
- unbeatable
More informal and direct; typical in everyday sports talk.
- invincible
Suggests total and permanent superiority, often in a dramatic or legendary sense.
- vulnerable
Open to attack, criticism, or defeat.
- shaky
Informal; describes a position or lead that could easily be lost.
用法筆記
Common in sports journalism, political analysis, and business discussion. The focus is on a lead, record, or reputation that others find impossible to challenge or weaken.