indomitable

adjective

in·​dom·​i·​ta·​ble in-ˈdä-mə-tə-bəl 

: incapable of being subdued : unconquerable

indomitable courage

indomitability

(ˌ)in-ˌdä-mə-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

indomitableness

in-ˈdä-mə-tə-bəl-nəs 

noun

indomitably

in-ˈdä-mə-tə-blē 

adverb

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Your Knowledge of Indomitable Cannot Be Tamed

At five punchy syllables, indomitable is an imposing word, so it’s inevitable that some are perplexed by this synonym for impregnable. But it’s not so tough once you break it into parts. The prefix in- (spelled im- before b, m, and p) means “not” in an innumerable collection of English words. (How many have you counted so far?) The common suffix -able means “capable of, fit for, or worthy of.” Combine those two English affixes with the Latin verb domitare (“to tame”), and voila: indomitable. Indomitable was first used in English as a synonym of wild, describing—appropriately enough—things that cannot be tamed, but over time the wildness associated with indomitable developed into a specific kind of invulnerable strength.

Synonyms

• bulletproof
• impregnable
• insuperable
• insurmountable
• invincible
• invulnerable
• unbeatable
• unconquerable
• unstoppable

Examples of indomitable in a Sentence

an indomitable spirit was needed to endure the rigors of pioneer life

Recent Examples on the Web

Our apparel, footwear, and accessories reflect our Pacific Northwest heritage and indomitable spirit. —Outside Online, 15 July 2024

The viewer rides along with a crew of photojournalists (led by an indomitable Kirsten Dunst) on their harrowing journey to the heart of American darkness. —Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 11 July 2024

The cultural materiality of Fort Greene adapts; yet beneath the veneer of change lies the indomitable heart of a community that remembers its roots, struggles, and triumphs. —Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 17 June 2024

That first one, though, is in a league of her own lately: Swiatek has won 45 of the 49 matches she’s played this year, is coming off winning her fourth French Open title, and seems utterly indomitable…except, for some reason which nobody has yet nailed down, Wimbledon. —Corey Seymour, Vogue, 1 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin indomitabilis, from Latin in- + domitare to tame — more at daunt

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

indomitable

adjective

in·​dom·​i·​ta·​ble in-ˈdäm-ət-ə-bəl 

: unconquerable

indomitable courage

indomitability

(ˌ)in-ˌdäm-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

indomitableness

in-ˈdäm-ət-ə-bəl-nəs 

noun

indomitably

-blē 

adverb