WordDream · Your AI dictionary

impervious

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "impervious": The word "impervious" describes something that cannot be penetrated, affected, or influenced. Imagin

What does "impervious" mean?

The word "impervious" describes something that cannot be penetrated, affected, or influenced. Imagine a high-quality raincoat that is "impervious to water"—the rain hits the surface and simply beads off, leaving the wearer completely dry underneath. In a figurative sense, we use this to describe someone who is unmoved by criticism or emotion. If a person is "impervious to reason," it means they are stubborn and refuse to listen to logic, as if their mind has a protective shield that blocks out any external input.

"impervious" in conversation

Office feedback

I tried to explain the new policy, but he was totally impervious to my suggestions.

I tried to explain the new policy, but he was totally impervious to my suggestions.

That sounds frustrating. Did he even acknowledge your points?

That sounds frustrating. Did he even acknowledge your points?

Used to describe someone who remains unchanged by external influence.

Outdoor gear shopping

This jacket is completely impervious to harsh winds and heavy rain.

This jacket is completely impervious to harsh winds and heavy rain.

Perfect, that is exactly what I need for my hike.

Perfect, that is exactly what I need for my hike.

Used in a literal sense to describe physical resistance.

"impervious" in a sentence

  1. The new roof is impervious to leaking during heavy storms.

    The new roof is impervious to leaking during heavy storms.

  2. She remained impervious to his sarcastic remarks, focusing entirely on her work.

    She remained impervious to his sarcastic remarks, focusing entirely on her work.

  3. The dictator's regime proved impervious to international sanctions and diplomatic pressure for over a decade.

    The dictator's regime proved impervious to international sanctions and diplomatic pressure for over a decade.

Not another dictionary

An AI-native multilingual dictionary: decode the words other dictionaries can't handle.

WordDream explains every word the way a teacher would, with real-life scenes, graded examples, audio and a picture. It also covers what traditional dictionaries miss: names, places, proper nouns, internet slang, and words that don't translate.

And it isn't just English. Look up words in any language, keep a multilingual Notebook, and turn your saved words into stories with Spin a yarn.

Try WordDream: Look up a wordOpen “impervious” in WordDream

Free account · sign in to use features

More everyday & curious words

Browse the whole set in Everyday & Curious Words.

Explained by WordDream, an AI-native multilingual dictionary.