English Reference
noun

resistance

n.
US /ɹiˈzɪstəns/ UK /ɹɪsˈɪstəns/ re·sis·tance UK spelling resistances

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of fighting against something or refusing to accept it.

    the act of opposing or withstanding something; a refusal to comply with or accept a new idea or force.

    Simple

    The government's new tax plan met with strong resistance from the public.

    In context

    The proposed corporate restructuring encountered fierce resistance from the middle management, who feared a significant loss of autonomy.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    the ability of your body to stay healthy and fight off diseases.

    the inherent ability of an organism to withstand the effects of a harmful agent, such as a virus or bacteria.

    Simple

    Eating well and sleeping enough helps build your resistance to the common cold.

    In context

    The overuse of antibiotics has led to a dangerous increase in bacterial resistance, making standard treatments less effective.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    a force that stops or slows down a moving object.

    a force that tends to oppose or retard motion, such as air resistance or friction.

    Simple

    The cyclist wore a tight suit to reduce air resistance and go faster.

    In context

    Engineers designed the car's body to minimise wind resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency during high-speed travel.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    how much a material slows down the flow of electricity.

    the degree to which a substance or device opposes the passage of an electric current, causing energy dissipation.

    Simple

    Copper is used in wires because it has very low electrical resistance.

    In context

    The technician measured the resistance of the circuit to ensure that the voltage drop remained within the specified safety limits.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a secret group of people fighting against an enemy that has taken over their country.

    an underground organisation or movement engaged in a struggle for national liberation from an occupying force.

    Simple

    During the war, the local resistance helped many people escape to safety.

    In context

    The resistance coordinated a series of strategic strikes against the occupying army's supply lines to weaken their control over the region.

Usage offer resistance

Six contrasts this tyrant with his grandfather, a heroic fighter in the Dutch anti-Nazi resistance in the second world war.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

Disrupted sleep raises the stress hormone, cortisol, which in turn promotes insulin resistance and pushes the body toward a diabetic state.

BBC News· 19 Jul 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated