Invulnerable vs. impregnable: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Invulnerable usually refers to being immune or resistant to physical or emotional harm, injury, or attack in general. Impregnable most often describes a place, fortress, or defense that cannot be captured or breached, but can sometimes be used metaphorically.
What they have in common
Both invulnerable and impregnable describe something that cannot be harmed or overcome, often implying strength, resistance, or protection against attack or damage.
Examples
invulnerable
- Superheroes in comics are often portrayed as invulnerable to bullets.
- She seemed invulnerable to criticism, never letting harsh words affect her.
- The new coating makes the device invulnerable to water damage.
impregnable
- The castle was considered impregnable with its thick walls and deep moat.
- Their defense strategy was so strong it appeared impregnable.
- The fortress proved impregnable during the long siege.
Which one is more common?
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