penetration

noun

pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-shən 

1

a

: the power to penetrate

especially : the ability to discern deeply and acutely

b

: the depth to which something penetrates

c

: the extent to which a commercial product or agency is familiar or sells in a market

2

: the act or process of penetrating: such as

a

: the act of entering a country so that actual establishment of influence is accomplished

b

: an attack that penetrates the enemy's front or territory

Choose the Right Synonym for penetration

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of penetration in a Sentence

Cuts in the skin could permit the penetration of bacteria into the body.

the penetration of the CIA by foreign agents

the penetration of the U.S. market by a foreign company

multiple penetrations into enemy territory

a writer who analyzes the underlying causes of the recession with great penetration

Recent Examples on the Web

Will the Joint Venture Partners continue to require penetration minimums for their sports and other channels when negotiating with MVPDs and other virtual MVPDs? —Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Apr. 2024

More than two inches of mulch generally reduces water penetration to the roots, reduces air exchange with the roots, and can even provide a home for bark-gnawing rodents. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 8 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

penetration

noun

pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of penetrating

2

a

: the depth to which something penetrates

b

: keen understanding

Medical Definition

penetration

noun

pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: the depth to which something penetrates

2

: the act or process of penetrating