impervious

Also im·per·vi·a·ble

[im-pur-vee-uhs]

adjective

1. not permitting penetration or passage; impenetrable.

   The coat is impervious to rain.

2. incapable of being injured or impaired.

   impervious to wear and tear.

3. incapable of being influenced, persuaded, or affected.

   impervious to reason; impervious to another's suffering.

   Synonyms: closed, invulnerable

impervious

/ ɪmˈpɜːvɪəs /

adjective

1. not able to be penetrated, as by water, light, etc; impermeable

2. not able to be influenced (by) or not receptive (to)

   impervious to argument

Other Word Forms

• imperviously adverb
• imperviousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of impervious¹

From the Latin word impervius, dating back to 1640–50. See im- ², pervious

Example Sentences

Unfortunately, the Dodgers are not impervious to injury issues.

From Los Angeles Times

Hogan’s gimmick of “hulking up” via crowd energy to become impervious to pain would help the 6’8 Bollea bring matches to a Hollywood ending that didn’t rely on technical wrestling ability.

From Salon

In other words, even when hit by a blue wave in a purple state, these GOP maps were impervious to the dummymander.

From Salon

Despite a handful of notable television showings — may we never forget Tom Welling’s “Smallville” heartthrob status — Superman as a character has been fittingly impervious.

From Salon

Liberal types aren’t impervious to racism, even when under a more well-intentioned guise.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• immune 
• impassable 
• impenetrable 
• inaccessible 
• invulnerable 
• resistant 
• unaffected 
• unmoved