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

The platform meets Criminal Justice Information Systems standards set by the FBI and undergoes regular cybersecurity penetration testing, according to the presentation. —Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

Pruning hoya promotes fuller, bushier plants, encourages new healthy growth, removes dead and leggy stems, and increases airflow and light penetration. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026

With scoring guards like Chris Paul II, Christian Rogers and Ean Britt, Sanders changes things with his ability to protect the rim — and score easy baskets around the rim — from guard penetration. —Tarek Fattal, Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026

Since its market debut in July 2025, cumulative sales of the Sealion 06 have now reached 134,665 units, underscoring the model’s rapid market penetration and growing importance within BYD’s broader electrification strategy. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 Jan. 2026

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