resistant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "resistant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used as an adjective to describe something that is difficult to affect, damage, or overcome, e.g. "The building was built with resistant materials to protect against the harsh weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Antibiotics change the normal gut flora very quickly – wiping out the indigenous, harmless bacteria and leaving the patient susceptible to resistant bacteria such as Clostridium difficile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Antibiotic resistant strains have even been found in Antarctica.

The Guardian

Since the crisis began, citizens in creditor countries have become resistant to taking responsibility for the debts of others without having mechanisms for controlling their spending.

The Guardian - Opinion

Harris suggests that APOBEC3H could be the target of future gene therapy, aimed at making susceptible populations more resistant to the virus.

The Guardian

Local authorities are usually resistant to any events being held on the Theresienwiese other than Munich's three main public festivals – the biggest of which is the beer-fuelled Oktoberfest.

The Guardian

If medication is interrupted or abandoned, the disease becomes resistant and new combinations of drugs must be found.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The stark figures, published on Thursday, and believed to be the first to quantify the potential impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – drug-resistant infections or superbugs – will be used to make the case to global leaders that urgent action is needed.

The Guardian

The organic approach is to select species - A. 'Little Carlow', for example - that are disease-resistant Anaphalis, or pearly everlasting, so-called because of the length of time it holds its flowers, is a fairly weedy perennial, but if you have enough space, it makes good ground cover, often visited by butterflies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The World Health Organisation reckons antibiotic-resistant infections cost the EU €1.5bn and the US some $30bn a year.

The Guardian

Failure to tackle drug-resistant infections will lead to at least 10 million extra deaths a year and cost the global economy up to $100tn £64tnn) by 2050, a report commissioned by David Cameron, the prime minister, has warned.

The Guardian

In contrast, in Europe there is only one GM crop approved for commercial cultivation, a Bt-insect-resistant maize.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "resistant", be specific about what it is resistant to. For example, instead of saying "the material is resistant", specify "the material is resistant to corrosion".

Common error

Avoid using "resistant" without specifying the agent or force being resisted. Saying something is simply "resistant" lacks clarity. Always clarify the context: "resistant to heat", "resistant to change", etc.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "resistant" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate the quality of opposing or withstanding something. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples where "resistant" describes materials, organisms, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "resistant" functions primarily as an adjective, signifying the ability to withstand or oppose something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. To ensure clarity, always specify what the subject is "resistant" to. Synonyms like "immune to" or "impervious to" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts, demonstrating its relevance across various fields. Remember to avoid using "resistant" as a standalone term; always specify the agent or force being resisted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immune to

Focuses specifically on immunity or protection from something.

impervious to

Highlights the inability of something to be affected or penetrated.

tolerant of

Emphasizes the ability to endure or withstand something.

unaffected by

Indicates a lack of influence or impact from something.

proof against

Implies a guaranteed defense or protection.

able to withstand

Focuses on the capacity to endure a force or pressure.

strong against

Suggests a capacity for overcoming the harmful effects of something

opposing to

Shows the action to actively withstand.

defiant towards

Highlights opposition and unwillingness to comply.

recalcitrant to

Emphasizes stubbornness and unwillingness to yield.

FAQs

How can I use "resistant" in a sentence?

You can use "resistant" to describe something that opposes or withstands something else, as in "This strain of bacteria is "antibiotic resistant"" or "The coating is "scratch resistant"".

What's the difference between "resistant" and "immune"?

"Resistant" generally means able to withstand or oppose something, while "immune" specifically means protected from a disease or infection. Something can be "resistant to wear and tear" but only living organisms can be "immune to a virus".

What are some synonyms for "resistant"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "resistant" include "impervious to", "tolerant of", "unaffected by", or "proof against".

Is it correct to say something is "resistant against" something?

While understandable, it's more common and grammatically sound to say something is "resistant to" something. For example, "resistant to bacteria" is preferred over "resistant against bacteria".