pregnable
pregnable — adjective
- pregnablepositive
- more pregnablecomparative
- most pregnablesuperlative
1. describes a place such as a castle, city wall, or military base that is not stro
describes a place such as a castle, city wall, or military base that is not strong enough to stop enemies from entering or capturing it
The old fortress was pregnable on its north side because the wall had crumbled.
pregnable on the [side]; often followed by a location or condition
Without extra soldiers to guard the river crossing, the town remained pregnable to attack.
pregnable to + noun (attack, invasion, enemy)
General Joon marked the pregnable sections of the castle wall with a red pencil.
A castle built on low ground is naturally more pregnable than one on a hilltop.
The security team found the rear entrance was pregnable after the lock broke in a storm.
- vulnerable
much more common and broader in use; 'vulnerable' applies to people and systems, while 'pregnable' is almost exclusively about places or positions
- defenceless
stronger emotional tone; suggests a complete lack of protection rather than a weakness that can be exploited
- exposed
wider range of use; can describe physical positions as well as abstract situations
- impregnable
the direct opposite and far more common; means too strong to be captured or entered
- fortified
describes a place that has been made stronger and harder to attack
文法句型
pregnable + to + noun phrase
pregnable + noun
用法筆記
Frequently used in historical or strategic discussions about fortifications. The opposite impregnable (with the negative prefix in-) is far more common in everyday English.
常見錯誤
2. describes a team, player, or competitor that can be defeated without much effort
describes a team, player, or competitor that can be defeated without much effort, especially in a sports match or competition
The basketball team looked pregnable after their best player injured his knee.
pregnable after [event]; context of weakened condition
Coach Asher told the press his squad was not pregnable, despite three straight losses.
Putri's defence was pregnable, so her tennis opponent scored point after point with ease.
The Royals looked pregnable after their goalkeeper conceded three goals in the first half.
The chess champion studied his opponent's games carefully, looking for a pregnable opening strategy.
- formidable
describes an opponent who is very strong and difficult to defeat
- dominant
describes a team or player that regularly wins and controls the game
文法句型
pregnable + noun
用法筆記
This sense is very rare and restricted mostly to formal sports writing or commentary. The word vulnerable is usually preferred in everyday sports discussion.