resistant

1 of 2

adjective

re·​sis·​tant ri-ˈzi-stənt 

: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance

—often used in combination

wrinkle-resistant clothes

a drug-resistant strain of virus

resistant

2 of 2

noun

: one that resists : resister

Examples of resistant in a Sentence

Adjective

These plants are resistant to cold temperatures.

He became resistant to the medication.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The viaduct also incorporates earthquake-resistant engineering, enabling Japan’s high-speed rail network to safely operate in one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

Structure information summary Most structures in this region are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026

The platter is also scratch- and stain-resistant, can be used to reheat food in the oven or microwave, and is dishwasher-safe for easy post-party cleanup. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

The Fortis upgrade is built to meet MIL-STD 810H military standards, with drop-resistant construction and Corning Gorilla Glass over the screen. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1548, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing resistant

• heat resistant
• vancomycin-resistant enterococcus
• water-resistant

Rhymes for resistant

• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• insistent
• persistent
• subsistent
• coexistent
• equidistant
• inconsistent
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• distant

Kids Definition

resistant

adjective

re·​sis·​tant

ri-ˈzis-tənt

: giving, capable of, or showing resistance

—often used in combination

wrinkle-resistant clothes

Medical Definition

resistant

adjective

re·​sis·​tant

variants also resistent

-tənt 

: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance

—often used in combination

a drug-resistant strain of virus