resistant

1 of 2

adjective

re·​sis·​tant ri-ˈzi-stənt 

: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance

—often used in combination

wrinkle-resistant clothes

a drug-resistant strain of virus

resistant

2 of 2

noun

: one that resists : resister

Examples of resistant in a Sentence

Adjective

These plants are resistant to cold temperatures.

He became resistant to the medication.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

DuPont's materials are used both outside the plane cabin , such as in the engine to protect against heat and add durability, and within the cabin to make surfaces resistant to scratching and easy to clean. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

For example, homes can be made less likely to ignite with Class A fire-resistant roofs and ember-resistant vents that reduce the potential for burning particles to enter homes. — Virginia Iglesias, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026

People also must be tested for HIV prior to starting the drug and with each injection; drug-resistant HIV has been identified when used by people with an undiagnosed HIV infection. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

What reaches Earth is usually small, dense and heat-resistant, such as titanium, steel and glass. — Leonard David, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1548, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing resistant

• heat resistant
• vancomycin-resistant enterococcus
• water-resistant

Rhymes for resistant

• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• insistent
• persistent
• subsistent
• coexistent
• equidistant
• inconsistent
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• distant

Kids Definition

resistant

adjective

re·​sis·​tant

ri-ˈzis-tənt

: giving, capable of, or showing resistance

—often used in combination

wrinkle-resistant clothes

Medical Definition

resistant

adjective

re·​sis·​tant

variants also resistent

-tənt 

: giving, capable of, or exhibiting resistance

—often used in combination

a drug-resistant strain of virus