impervious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'impervious' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be affected by something else, such as pain or criticism. For example, "She was impervious to my criticisms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I seem to be impervious but I'm not.

The Guardian

Below-zero temperatures crowned the top of the US from Idaho to Minnesota, where many roads still had an inch-thick plate of ice, polished smooth by traffic and impervious to ice-melting chemicals.

The Guardian

He had built his reputation on being impervious to external forces, yet his crease rituals always hinted at his need for certainty.

The Guardian - Sport

These factors do not imply that America is impervious to spiking oil, but they do suggest the impact of price rises to date will be modest.Europe is more exposed.

The Economist

The assumption that they are risky makes many Europeans impervious to the charms of even the most dazzling mutual funds.

The Economist

The trend was impervious to the recession.

The Economist

The ever-larger public sector is even more impervious to efficiency gains.

The Economist

There, nurses cannot nag them against using public transport or about completing their course of antibiotics, so they mix widely and unwittingly encourage their infections to evolve increasingly impervious forms.

The Economist

Most of the southern continent's icy mass, especially the eastern half which rests on some very solid rock, is so deep-frozen that so far at least, it has been impervious to climate change.

The Economist

TO MANY music lovers, the world's great orchestras seem timeless, as impervious to the flux of everyday life as their classic repertoire.

The Economist

However, there is a danger that, when labour markets are gummed up, a cyclical rise in unemployment can turn into a structural one making it impervious to an economic upturn.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or emotional states, consider using "impervious" to highlight a strong sense of detachment or resistance to external influences. For example, "His mind seemed impervious to reason".

Common error

While "impervious" is a strong and precise word, avoid using it in overly casual settings where simpler alternatives like "unaffected" or "resistant" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "impervious" primarily functions to describe something that is unaffected or unable to be affected by something else. Ludwig examples show it describing resistance to both physical elements (like weather) and abstract concepts (like criticism or economic downturns).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impervious" is an adjective meaning unaffected or unable to be affected by something. Ludwig AI confirms it as a grammatically correct and usable word, frequently found in news and media contexts. It is used to describe something resistant to penetration, influence, or harm. While "impervious" is commonly used, consider the formality of your writing and opt for simpler alternatives like "unaffected" in casual contexts. Remember to use "impervious to", not "impervious from".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unaffected by

Focuses on the lack of impact from something, shifting from inherent resistance to observed outcome.

immune to

Implies a built-in resistance, often used in contexts of health or emotional resilience.

resistant to

Highlights the act of opposing or warding off something, rather than complete inability to be affected.

not susceptible to

Emphasizes a lack of vulnerability, suitable for formal or technical contexts.

invulnerable to

Suggests an inability to be harmed or damaged, often used in a figurative sense.

impenetrable by

Focuses on the inability of something to pass through or affect, often used for physical barriers or abstract concepts.

proof against

Emphasizes a designed or inherent protection against something specific.

unreachable by

Highlights the inability to be affected because something can't reach the subject, either physically or metaphorically.

closed off to

Suggests a deliberate or inherent barrier preventing influence or access.

unresponsive to

Highlights a lack of reaction or change in response to a stimulus.

FAQs

How can I use "impervious" in a sentence?

You can use "impervious" to describe something that is unaffected by something else. For example, "The fortress was "impervious" to attack" or "She seemed "impervious" to criticism".

What can I say instead of "impervious"?

You can use alternatives like "unaffected by", "immune to", or "resistant to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "impervious to" or "impervious from"?

"Impervious to" is the correct and more common usage. "Impervious from" is rarely used and generally considered incorrect.

What's the difference between ""impervious"" and "impenetrable"?

"Impervious" means not allowing something to pass through or be affected, while "impenetrable" means impossible to pass through or enter. "Impervious" can refer to abstract things, while "impenetrable" is usually physical.