impenetrable

adjective

im·​pen·​e·​tra·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈpe-nə-trə-bəl How to pronounce impenetrable (audio)
1
a
: incapable of being penetrated or pierced
b
: inaccessible to knowledge, reason, or sympathy : impervious
2
: incapable of being comprehended : inscrutable
impenetrably adverb

Examples of impenetrable in a Sentence

The fort's defenses were thought to be impenetrable. the ancient temple was surrounded by vast stretches of impenetrable jungle
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most of those minerals are currently buried beneath thick sheets of previously impenetrable ice. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025 Image Border The Wall The most memorable promise that Mr. Trump made on the campaign trail was to erect an impenetrable barrier along the entire southern border, which is almost 2,000 miles, and to have Mexico pay for it. Miriam Jordan, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 Even more impressively, against a Colorado defense that was impenetrable Saturday, with the Rays lacing the balls all over the field and the Rockies making a reel of highlight plays. Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025 The difficult terrain, impenetrable vegetation, and challenging navigation mean most hikers cover at least 50 percent more distance than that. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impenetrable

Word History

Etymology

Middle English impenetrabel, from Middle French impenetrable, from Latin impenetrabilis, from in- + penetrabilis penetrable

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of impenetrable was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impenetrable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impenetrable. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

impenetrable

adjective
im·​pen·​e·​tra·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈpen-ə-trə-bəl How to pronounce impenetrable (audio)
1
: impossible to get through or into
impenetrable walls
impenetrable jungle
2
: impossible to understand
an impenetrable mystery
impenetrability
(ˌ)im-ˌpen-ə-trə-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun
impenetrably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on impenetrable

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