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 the homeless

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

Here’s a sample of penetration energy generated from 1200 FPS muzzle velocity at 40 yards. —Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2024

The company’s goal is to have 25% digital penetration by 2026. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2024

Opening up the bushes this way gives a natural look and increases the penetration of sunlight and air to the centers. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2024

The new entity should mandate regular, third-party security audits and penetration testing that stages fake cyberattacks. —Jonathan Slotkin and David Vawdrey, STAT, 14 Mar. 2024

Raw or insufficiently composted wood chips can crust over in summer making water penetration difficult. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 8 Mar. 2024

Outlook for March Growth Through ISO Partners: Expansion of partnerships with ISOs to increase market penetration and customer acquisition. —Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2024

This trust, built on existing relationships, simplifies market penetration efforts and enhances customer acquisition strategies. —Nick Tubis, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

During this test, the robot was remotely controlled, and the maximum penetration depth was limited to 15 mm. —IEEE Spectrum, 23 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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