What does indestructible mean?
Indestructible means impossible to destroy, break, or damage, and it is frequently extended metaphorically to things that endure despite adversity. The phrase can refer to strong physical materials, but it is equally common in descriptions of personal qualities, relationships, institutions, traditions, and reputations. Saying that something is indestructible suggests extraordinary permanence or resilience, often stronger than the more neutral terms durable or hard-wearing. In ordinary conversation, the expression may be deliberately emphatic or hyperbolic, so it does not always imply literal invulnerability. Its usefulness lies in its strong connotation of lasting through pressure, change, and the passage of time.
adjectiveIncapable of being destroyed or damaged; unbreakable and enduring. It can describe physical objects, but is also used metaphorically for relationships, reputations, principles, and personal qualities that are exceptionally durable.
- Incapable of being destroyed, broken, or damaged.
- Extremely durable or permanent, especially in a metaphorical sense.
"Their friendship proved indestructible despite years of separation and difficult circumstances."
"The carefully designed bridge was intended to be virtually indestructible."
"Despite intense public criticism, the institution maintained an indestructible reputation for integrity."
Indestructible describes things that survive more than physical force: friendships, reputations, and even principles can be famously indestructible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indestructible come from?
Indestructible was formed in the 17th century from the Latin stem destruere, meaning “to tear down” or “destroy,” together with the suffix -ible, meaning “able to be.” The Latin verb developed through the stem destruction-, which also underlies English words such as destruction and destructive. The resulting adjective originally conveyed the inability to be destroyed and was later used more broadly for exceptionally durable things and enduring abstract qualities.
Related word forms
How indestructible is actually used
The word is often hyperbolic in informal or promotional speech, where it may mean exceptionally durable rather than literally impossible to destroy. In figurative use, it commonly describes relationships, traditions, institutions, reputations, and principles.
Easily confused with indestructible
Indestructible means impossible to destroy, whereas destructible means able to be destroyed or damaged.
Indestructible usually emphasizes resistance to destruction or damage, while imperishable more often means enduring without decay or wearing out.