unassailable
/,ʌnə'seiləbl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Impossible to attack, challenge, or dispute successfully: Describes something that is so strong, well-defended, or logically sound that it cannot be overcome, defeated, or questioned.
- Not subject to denial or dispute: Describes a position, argument, or fact that is beyond doubt or reproach.
Usage and Examples
- Describing an argument or position:
- Her logic was unassailable; no one could find a flaw in her reasoning.
- The scientist presented unassailable evidence for her theory.
- Describing a physical or strategic position:
- The castle was built on an unassailable cliff.
- The team held an unassailable lead with only five minutes left in the game.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Unassailable truth": A fact or principle that is universally accepted and cannot be contradicted.
- The unassailable truth is that all humans need water to survive.
- "Unassailable authority": A level of expertise or command that is beyond question.
- In matters of medieval history, Professor Jones speaks with unassailable authority.
- Used in formal, academic, or legal contexts to describe ideas, evidence, or records that are beyond reproach.
Variants and Related Words
- Assail (verb): To attack violently or criticize strongly.
- Critics assailed the new policy.
- Assailable (adjective): Vulnerable to attack. (This is the direct opposite of "unassailable").
- The fort's northern wall was its only assailable point.
Synonyms
- Impregnable: Unable to be captured or broken into.
- Inviolable: Never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored.
- Irrefutable: Impossible to deny or disprove.
- Watertight: (Of an argument or account) unable to be disputed or criticized.
Antonyms
- Vulnerable: Susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm.
- Assailable: Open to attack.
- Debatable: Open to discussion or argument.
- Questionable: Doubtful as regards truth or quality.
Idiomatic Expressions
- To hold an unassailable position: To be in a situation (literal or figurative) where one cannot be defeated or challenged.
- After winning three major tournaments, she holds an unassailable position as the world's best player.
Adjective
- without flaws or loopholes
- an ironclad contract
- a watertight alibi
- a bulletproof argument
- impossible to assail
- immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with
- an impregnable fortress
- fortifications that made the frontier inviolable
- a secure telephone connection