impurity

noun

im·​pu·​ri·​ty (ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē 

plural impurities

1

: something that is impure or makes something else impure

removing impurities from water

2

: the quality or state of being impure

Synonyms

• contamination
• contaminant
• pollutant

Examples of impurity in a Sentence

the impurity of the water

The syrup is strained to remove impurities.

The water is free of impurities.

Recent Examples on the Web

Feedstock impurities pose another challenge. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025

Start with a gentle, refreshing cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin. —Essence, 8 Oct. 2025

The best Korean face washes typically focus on soothing, gentle ingredients, removing surface oils and impurities while melting away makeup and SPF. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025

Stir your fruit and/or veggies around in the mixture to loosen up leftover dirt and impurities. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for impurity

• maturity
• obscurity
• security
• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• purity
• surety

Kids Definition

impurity

noun

im·​pu·​ri·​ty (ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē 

plural impurities

1

: the quality or state of being impure

2

: something that is impure or that makes impure

remove impurities from water

Medical Definition

impurity

noun

im·​pu·​ri·​ty (ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē 

plural impurities

: something that is impure or makes something else impure