impregnable

What does “impregnable” mean?

adjective.(of a fortified position) unable to be captured or broken into.

SAT Usage

this term is often found in passages discussing military strategy, architecture, or security, emphasizing the idea of strength and resilience. It implies an unassailable quality, suggesting not just physical resistance but also an inherent invulnerability, which sets it apart from similar words like "fortified," that may not convey the same level of absolute security.

Common Confusions

Impregnable implies an unassailable strength that cannot be breached, while fortified usually suggests enhanced protection that may still be vulnerable under certain circumstances.

Example Sentences

• The castle walls were considered impregnable against any attack.

Word Parts: How to Remember “impregnable”

Break “impregnable” into its parts: in- (not). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: in- not (Latin)