# impervious

/ˌɪmˈpɝviəs/ (US) · /ɪmpˈɜːvɪəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/impervious
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

impossible to damage, change, or influence. You use this to describe something that stays the same no matter what happens to it.

For teachers: impenetrable or resistant to damage, influence, or change. Often used to describe materials that do not allow liquids to pass through or to describe people who remain unaffected by criticism.

## Examples

- The waterproof jacket is impervious to rain.
- The old stone walls were impervious to the heavy storms that battered the village for days.
- Despite the intense public scrutiny and constant media pressure, the CEO remained impervious to criticism, maintaining a steady and confident leadership style throughout the crisis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.