Definition of INDOMITABLE

Other Words from indomitable

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

Your Knowledge of Indomitable Can Not Be Tamed

The prefix in- means "not in numerous English words (think of "indecent," "indecisive," "inconvenient," and "infallible"). When "in-" teamed up with the Latin domitare ("to tame"), the result was a word meaning "unable to be tamed." "Indomitable" was first used in English in the 1600s as a synonym of "wild," but over time its sense of untamability turned from a problem to a virtue. By the 1800s, "indomitable" was being used for people whose courage and persistence helped them to succeed in difficult situations.

Examples of indomitable in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

More than a year after the onset of an economic calamity that has shaken the once-indomitable hold of Turkey’s strongman president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, this nation of 80 million people remains stuck in uncomfortable proximity to crisis. — Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, "Turkey’s Long, Painful Economic Crisis Grinds On," 8 July 2019 Another year, another training camp, another NFL season for the indomitable Frank Gore. — Gary Peterson, The Mercury News, "Ageless Frank Gore bound for Buffalo and 15th NFL season, but intends to retire a 49er," 8 July 2019 His hands-on approach to training ensured tactical familiarity was embedded within their minds, with his determination and indomitable spirit pulsing through their veins. — SI.com, "Arsene Wenger: A Pioneering Visionary Who Became Invincible at Arsenal," 8 July 2019 Despite a colossal defection of people, industries, and capital during the past half-century, there remains an indomitable spirit in this lakefront city that refuses to become irrelevant. — Phillip Morris, cleveland.com, "All-Star Game gives nation a new look at Cleveland’s grit, relevance: Phillip Morris," 7 July 2019 Laura Dern can also be seen as the beloved March matriarch, while Meryl Streep stars as the indomitable Aunt March. — Alexia Fernandez, PEOPLE.com, "Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet Reunite in First Photos of Little Women," 19 June 2019 But our eyes are again drawn to the beard, in profile, beaming proudly, as if the stubble is imbued with indomitable freedom and justice: Marvel The beard, like Cap himself, only appears in Infinity War for six minutes and 45 seconds. — Alex Abad-santos, Vox, "The enduring legacy and fantasy of Captain America’s beard, explained," 18 June 2019 Few could see Lizzo, but to hear her voice is to be caught up in her indomitable spirit. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Summerfest 2019: Lizzo, Steve Earle, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, and the best and worst of a stormy Day 2," 27 June 2019 Ogden’s heroic leadership and indomitable courage in alone silencing these enemy weapons inspired his men to greater effort and cleared the way for the company to continue the advance and reach its objectives. — Les Francis, The Mercury News, "Opinion: A San Jose WWII hero has much to teach the world," 25 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indomitable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.