What does invulnerable mean?
Invulnerable is an adjective describing someone or something that cannot be harmed, damaged, defeated, or affected by attack. It can refer literally to physical protection, as in a person or structure that is invulnerable to injury, but it is also used figuratively for a team with a strong position, a politician who appears beyond criticism, or an argument that cannot easily be challenged. The word carries an emphatic, almost idealized tone: it suggests more than ordinary safety or resistance. In everyday use, it may be rhetorical, especially when describing a successful athlete, a dominant organisation, or a person who seems able to avoid consequences. Because invulnerability is difficult to maintain in real life, the expression can also suggest temporary confidence rather than permanent protection.
adjectiveNot vulnerable to harm, injury, attack, or criticism; impossible to damage or overcome.
- Protected from harm, injury, attack, or damage; impossible to hurt or overcome.
"The team remained invulnerable throughout the championship, conceding no goals."
"No fortress is completely invulnerable, but the ancient walls proved remarkably resistant."
"The politician's record of reform had made him seem invulnerable to criticism."
"A successful defence can make a team look invulnerable before the next match."
To be called invulnerable is to be beyond harm's reach—though what is untouchable in theory may still face ordinary human pressure in practice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does invulnerable come from?
Invulnerable comes from Latin invulnerabilis, formed from in-, meaning “not” or “without,” and vulnerare, meaning “to wound.” The Latin word was borrowed into English in the early 16th century. It shares its root with vulnerable, vulnerability, and vulnerary, all of which concern the possibility or protection from injury.
Related word forms
How invulnerable is actually used
Often used figuratively for people, teams, positions, or arguments. It is a strong word and may suggest complete protection, even when the context implies only that harm is unlikely.
Easily confused with invulnerable
Invulnerable means impossible to harm or damage, whereas vulnerable means exposed to harm, attack, or criticism.