What does invincibility mean?
Invincibility is the quality of being impossible to defeat, conquer, or overcome. It is commonly associated with an undefeated athlete or team, a formidable military force, a particularly strong defence, or a strategy that consistently proves successful. The word can also suggest immunity from harm, attack, or destruction, although “invulnerability” is often more precise for physical protection. In everyday use, invincibility frequently describes a temporary or exaggerated sense of power: a successful person may be said to feel invincible after a notable victory, while a dominant team may appear destined to remain unbeaten. The expression can carry a cautionary implication, suggesting that invincibility breeds overconfidence. Historically and etymologically, the word derives from Latin invincibilis, meaning “not conquerable,” and ultimately from vincere, “to conquer.” It is especially useful when describing dominance that has made resistance seem futile.
nounThe quality of being impossible to defeat, overcome, or conquer. It can also refer to the condition of being invulnerable or unstoppable.
- The quality of being impossible to defeat, overcome, or conquer.
- The condition of being immune to harm, attack, or destruction.
"The team's relentless defence gave them a sense of invincibility throughout the tournament."
"After years of success, the champion began to feel that invincibility had settled over him."
"The castle's remote location and heavy defences gave it a reputation for invincibility."
Plural forms are possible but uncommon; the word is normally used as a mass noun for an undefeated state or reputation.
"The novel explores the mythologies of invincibilities created by popular culture."
Invincibility comes from the same Latin root as “vince,” meaning “to conquer,” but it describes the point at which conquest becomes impossible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does invincibility come from?
“Invincibility” derives from Latin invincibilis, meaning “not conquerable” or “undefeated,” formed from in-, meaning “not,” and vincere, “to conquer.” The word entered English in the early 17th century, initially in the form “invincible,” with “invincibility” appearing later. Related English words include “vincible,” meaning “capable of being conquered,” and “conqueror,” from the same Latin verb.
Related word forms
How invincibility is actually used
The word often suggests an overwhelming or seemingly unstoppable advantage. It may describe a person, team, institution, strategy, or defensive position, and in some contexts carries an implication of arrogance or complacency.
Easily confused with invincibility
Invincibility primarily means the inability to be defeated, whereas invulnerability more broadly means the inability to be harmed or injured.