What does indomitability mean?
Indomitability is a formal noun meaning the quality of being indomitable: determined and unyielding in the face of hardship, opposition, or defeat. It describes a person or group that refuses to be defeated, subdued, or discouraged, even when circumstances are prolonged or severe. The word is especially common in historical, political, and literary contexts, where it conveys resilience and moral strength rather than merely physical toughness. Its approving tone means that describing someone or something as showing indomitability is generally praiseworthy. Although it is related to words such as indomitable, indomitability names the enduring quality itself rather than the individual, so a person may possess indomitability even when no particular act of defiance is being described. The term is more formal and emphatic than straightforward alternatives such as persistence or resilience.
nounThe quality of being indomitable; determined, unyielding resistance to defeat, hardship, or control.
- The quality of being indomitable; fearless, determined resistance to defeat or difficulty.
"Her remarkable indomitability helped her overcome setbacks that would have defeated most people."
"The team's indomitability kept them competing despite a succession of injuries."
"Historical accounts often praise the indomitability of resistance movements under brutal pressure."
The plural is possible but uncommon, since the word is usually used in the singular or as an uncountable abstract noun.
"Their different indomitabilities became evident after years of adversity."
Indomitability is the name for the human refusal to stay down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indomitability come from?
Indomitability is formed from indomitable, which comes from Latin indomitus, meaning “untamed” or “unconquered.” That word combines the prefix in- (“not”) with domitus, the past participle of domare, “to tame.” The same broad Latin family gives English words including dominate, domination, and dominion.
How indomitability is actually used
A formal or literary noun, often used to describe a person's persistence, courage, or refusal to surrender. It carries a strongly approving or admiring tone.
Easily confused with indomitability
Indomitability means refusing to be defeated or subdued, whereas immunity means being protected from a particular harm or disease.