First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
impenetrable
adjective im·pen·e·tra·ble \(ˌ)im-ˈpe-nə-trə-bəl\
: impossible to pass or see through
: impossible to understand
Full Definition of IMPENETRABLE
1
a : incapable of being penetrated or pierced b : inaccessible to knowledge, reason, or sympathy : impervious
See impenetrable defined for English-language learners
See impenetrable defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of IMPENETRABLE
Middle English impenetrabel, from Middle French impenetrable, from Latin impenetrabilis, from in- + penetrabilis penetrable
Related to IMPENETRABLE
- Synonyms
- impassable (also impassible), impermeable, impervious, impregnable
- Antonyms
- negotiable, passable, penetrable, permeable
IMPENETRABLE Defined for Kids
impenetrable
adjective im·pen·e·tra·ble \im-ˈpe-nə-trə-bəl\
Definition of IMPENETRABLE for Kids
1
: impossible to pass through or see through <impenetrable walls> <impenetrable darkness>
2
: impossible to understand <an impenetrable mystery>
Learn More About IMPENETRABLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: impenetratePrevious Word in the Dictionary: impenetrabilityAll Words Near: impenetrable
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up impenetrable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).