Words / C2

im-PREGN-uh-bl/ɪmˈpreɡnəbl/

Impregnable means impossible to capture, break into, or overcome: an impregnable fortress, impregnable to criticism. Strong (already in the dictionary) is everyday; a bastion and a bulwark (already in the dictionary) are a stronghold of a cause and a defensive safeguard. Tenuous (already in the dictionary) is thin and shaky — the opposite flavour. Implacable (already in the dictionary) is of a person who cannot be softened, not of a wall. A ranking is not proof against an empty cell.

Meaning

Impossible to capture, break into, or overcome.

Examples

• “Do not treat a ranking as impregnable while the n is empty.”
• “Strong is everyday (already in A1). A bastion is a stronghold of a cause (already in C2). A bulwark is a safeguard (already in C2). Tenuous is thin and shaky (already in C2) — the contrast. Implacable is of a person (already in C2) — the mix-up. A dated figure can still prop a paper. A motto that never states the cell is decoration. Write the number; then the fortress.”

Good to know

Unable to be broken or taken. Everyday: strong (already in this dictionary). Close: bastion / bulwark (already in C2). Contrast: tenuous (already in C2). Mix-up: implacable (of a person — already in C2). A ranking ≠ an n.

Near in meaning

unassailable, invincible, secure, unconquerable

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