indelible

[ in-del-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. making marks that cannot be erased, removed, or washed out:

   indelible ink.

2. impossible to eliminate, forget, or change:

   the indelible memories of war;

   the indelible influence of a great teacher.

indelible

/ ɪnˈdɛlɪbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being erased or obliterated
2. making indelible marks

   indelible ink

Derived Forms

• inˈdelibly, adverb
• inˌdeliˈbility, noun

Other Word Forms

• in·deli·bili·ty in·deli·ble·ness noun
• in·deli·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of indelible¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin indēlibilis; replacing indeleble, from Latin indēlēbilis “indestructible”; in- ³, dele, -ble

Word History and Origins

Origin of indelible¹

C16: from Latin indēlēbilis indestructible, from in- ¹+ delēre to destroy

Example Sentences

“His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of,” the band’s Monday statement continued.

From Los Angeles Times

The imagery associated with the central tragic deaths of this season isn’t subtle at all, but it is indelible.

From Salon

"His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of," wrote Harry and Stein on Facebook.

From BBC

Their gamble turned the company's fortunes around, transformed the way basketball was viewed globally and left an indelible print on sneaker culture worldwide.

From BBC

Without food, Bong’s work would lose the indelible humanity that even his most outré, provocative films hold as a point of pride.

From Salon

Related Words

• enduring
• lasting
• memorable
• stirring
• unforgettable