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 people affected by the housing crisis

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

To prevent this, state law requires properties with weak signal penetration to install Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems, which are specialized boosters designed to ensure first responders can communicate throughout the building. —Niurys Robaina, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

The technology significantly reduces water, chemical, and energy use throughout the supply chain, while controlling dye penetration and improving fabric performance. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Dec. 2025

Huang’s 20% recurring gross profit growth forecast captures his view that Toast should continue to see high win rates and gain deeper market penetration. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025

Now, autonomous racing, the next step in motorsport, could lead to new advancements in AI penetration, integrating sensors, and decision-making. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for penetration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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