impervious to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impervious to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is resistant to a certain influence. For example, "The walls of the old castle were impervious to time, still standing strong after centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"They're impervious to change.

The Guardian - Film

But they are not impervious to elections.

The Economist

They are oddly impervious to torture.

The New York Times

"Touch!" G.K. seemed impervious to the attention.

The New York Times

They seem impervious to the December cold.

The New Yorker

The trend was impervious to the recession.

The Economist

SeaWorld, however, was impervious to the fantasy.

The New Yorker

But Paco remained impervious to the laughter.

The New Yorker

"Steel is impervious to water," he said.

The New York Times

A cheerleader is impervious to physical harm.

The New Yorker

Impervious to all human emotion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials, use "impervious to" to emphasize their resistance to specific elements like water, chemicals, or extreme temperatures.

Common error

Avoid using "impervious to" when you mean simply 'unaware of' or 'ignoring'. While it can describe emotional or mental resilience, ensure the context implies a strong, inherent resistance, not just a lack of attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impervious to" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun by describing its quality of being unaffected or resistant to something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impervious to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies resistance or invulnerability to a particular influence, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its prevalence in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts underscores its versatility in both describing physical attributes and abstract concepts. While related phrases like "resistant to" or "unaffected by" offer similar meanings, "impervious to" specifically conveys a high degree of resilience. When employing the phrase, ensure the context reflects a genuine resistance, rather than a mere lack of awareness. The phrase's robust presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian reinforces its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unaffected by

This alternative focuses on the lack of impact or influence.

resistant to

This alternative highlights the ability to withstand something.

immune to

This alternative suggests a natural or acquired protection.

invulnerable to

This alternative implies an inability to be harmed or damaged.

insusceptible to

This alternative emphasizes a lack of vulnerability.

not vulnerable to

This alternative uses a negative construction to express the same concept.

protected from

This alternative suggests an active shielding from something.

shielded from

Similar to "protected from", this implies a barrier against something.

unresponsive to

This alternative focuses on the lack of reaction or response.

unmoved by

This alternative highlights the lack of emotional or motivational impact.

FAQs

How can I use "impervious to" in a sentence?

You can use "impervious to" to describe something that is resistant or unaffected by something else. For example, "The new material is "impervious to" water damage".

What are some alternatives to "impervious to"?

Alternatives include "resistant to", "immune to", and "unaffected by" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone is "impervious to criticism"?

Yes, it is correct to say someone is "impervious to criticism" if they seem unaffected or resistant to critical feedback. This implies they don't change their behavior or attitude despite the criticism.

What's the difference between "impervious to" and "unaware of"?

"Impervious to" suggests a resistance or inability to be affected by something, while "unaware of" simply means lacking knowledge or consciousness about something. For example, someone might be "unaware of" the danger, but a material might be "impervious to" heat.