adjective
inexpugnable
impregnable
Definition & meaning
Inexpugnable is an adjective meaning impossible or extremely difficult to conquer, capture, overcome, or defeat.
It can be used:
- Literally, for a fortress, position, or place that cannot be taken by force:
una fortaleza inexpugnable — “an impregnable fortress” - Figuratively, for a person, belief, argument, or resistance that cannot easily be challenged or overcome:
una voluntad inexpugnable — “an unbreakable will”
un argumento inexpugnable — “an unassailable argument”
It generally conveys a stronger sense than simply “strong” or “difficult.”
Grammar & Word origin
Inexpugnable is an adjective with the same form for masculine and feminine nouns:
- un castillo inexpugnable — an impregnable castle
- una posición inexpugnable — an impregnable position
Its plural form is inexpugnables:
- defensas inexpugnables — impregnable defenses
The word comes from Latin inexpugnabilis, formed from:
- in- — a negative prefix meaning “not” or “without”
- expugnar — “to conquer by assault” or “to storm”
The related Spanish verb expugnar is uncommon and formal; conquistar and tomar are more frequent in everyday language.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- impenetrable — impossible to enter or understand; it emphasizes resistance to penetration rather than resistance to conquest.
- inconquistable — impossible to conquer; very close in meaning, but often more directly focused on conquest.
- invencible — impossible to defeat; it is commonly used for people, armies, or teams, while inexpugnable often describes defenses or positions.
- infranqueable — impossible to cross or overcome; especially common with barriers, limits, or obstacles.
- inaccesible — impossible or difficult to reach; it does not necessarily imply that the thing is defended or impossible to conquer.
Antonyms
- vulnerable — capable of being attacked, harmed, or defeated.
- conquistable — capable of being conquered.
- accesible — easy to reach, enter, or approach.
- franqueable — possible to cross, pass, or overcome.
- derrotable — capable of being defeated.
Common phrases & collocations
- una fortaleza inexpugnable — an impregnable fortress
- un castillo inexpugnable — an impregnable castle
- una posición inexpugnable — an impregnable position
- una defensa inexpugnable — an impenetrable defense
- una voluntad inexpugnable — an unbreakable will
- un argumento inexpugnable — an unassailable argument
- una resistencia inexpugnable — an unconquerable resistance
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Examples
El castillo es inexpugnable.adjective
The castle is impregnable.
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