impressive
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of impressive
Explanation
Something that is impressive stands out because it is really good. Some of the most impressive college application essays are those that reflect on past events that shaped who the writer is today. When you impress someone, you show that you are special or that what you did is praiseworthy. So something that's impressive does just that, like the impressive feat of running a marathon every week for a year. The earliest meaning of impressive was "capable of being easily impressed," from the Latin word impressus, "imprint or stamp." By around 1775, the meaning had changed to "making a strong impression on."
Vocabulary lists containing impressive
A Long Walk to Water
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Freak the Mighty
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The City of Ember
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
England's impressive T20 form continued as they thrashed Sri Lanka by six wickets in Cardiff to seal the series with a match to spare.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
Arsenal are the real deal and I don't see any weaknesses in their team, as their impressive win at Sunderland underlined.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
Designed by Ma Yansong, the new building in Los Angeles is a structure of arresting and unusual size and shape, but it becomes less impressive once you get inside.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
That would have been impressive, if it were the product of objective analysis.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
I have to admit, it’s been impressive to see my brother turn into a coach to the younger boys at the center, who all adore him.
From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
