indestructible
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of indestructible
From the Late Latin word indēstrūctibilis, dating back to 1665–75. See in- 3, destructible
Explanation
Something that's indestructible can't be broken or destroyed. Your indestructible winter boots last year after year, stomping through snow and ice and salt without ever falling apart. Things that are indestructible last for so long that it seems impossible to break them. Your relationship with your best friend might feel indestructible if your bond is strong and true, and your junky old car might also seem indestructible if it never dies no matter how many miles you drive it. The word indestructible comes from Latin roots, the prefix in, or "not," and destruere, "tear down or demolish" or literally "un-build."
Vocabulary lists containing indestructible
Superhero Lexicon
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Wonder Woman's Superpower Words
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World Without Fish
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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.
Hayden Panettiere, the former child actor who became a household name as an indestructible cheerleader on “Heroes” before starring as a troubled country singer on “Nashville,” has died.
From Salon ● Aug. 17, 2026
As an American, I naturally vibe to the idea of a no frills, indestructible work truck/life-mate, a mighty lever of self-reliance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026
The Daily Star splashes on the invasion of "indestructible" Argentine ants that are threatening British wildlife and crops.
From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026
A year earlier, that conference had been a nonstop celebration, and Stroup and Bourne had seemed indestructible.
From Slate ● Dec. 23, 2025
It was the kind of plane that men wanted to be seen in: handsome, masculine, nimble, fiercely armed, reliable, long-winded, and practically indestructible.
From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand
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.
