inexpugnability
Definition
- Noun:
- The quality of being impossible to overcome, conquer, or defeat: "inexpugnability" refers to the state or characteristic of being so strong, secure, or resilient that it cannot be taken by force, subdued, or overcome.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The fortress's inexpugnability made it a legend among military strategists. (The fortress could not be captured or defeated.)
- Her moral inexpugnability was admired by all who knew her. (Her moral strength could not be shaken or corrupted.)
Advanced Usage
"inexpugnability of a position": used in military, political, or philosophical contexts to describe an unassailable stance.
- The general argued for the inexpugnability of the mountain pass. (The pass could not be taken by an enemy.)
"inexpugnability of character": referring to a person's unwavering integrity or resolve.
- His inexpugnability in the face of criticism earned him respect. (His character could not be weakened by criticism.)
Variants and Related Words
Inexpugnable (adj): impossible to capture, overcome, or defeat.
- The team's defense was inexpugnable. (The defense could not be broken.)
Inexpugnably (adv): in a manner that cannot be overcome.
- She held her ground inexpugnably. (She held her ground without being defeated.)
Pugnacious (adj): eager or quick to argue, fight, or resist (related root pugnare meaning "to fight").
- His pugnacious attitude led to many arguments. (He was eager to fight.)
Synonyms
- Invincibility: the quality of being too powerful to be defeated or overcome.
- Impregnability: the quality of being impossible to capture or enter by force.
- Unassailability: the quality of being impossible to attack or question.
Related Idioms
"An inexpugnable fortress": a metaphorical expression for something that is completely secure.
- Her faith was an inexpugnable fortress against doubt. (Her faith was unshakable.)
"To hold inexpugnable ground": to maintain a position that cannot be challenged.
- In the debate, he held inexpugnable ground on the issue of justice. (His position was unassailable.)