indelible

American  

[in-del-uh-buhl] / ɪnˈdɛl ə bəl /

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.

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indelible British  

/ ɪnˈdɛlɪbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being erased or obliterated

2. making indelible marks

   indelible ink

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Other Word Forms

• indelibility noun
• indelibleness noun
• indelibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of indelible

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

Example Sentences

But they enter their professional lives in a financial hole due to student debt and the costs associated with building a practice, which often leaves an indelible mark on the ways they invest.

From The Wall Street Journal

Entering their professional lives in a financial hole often leaves an indelible mark on the ways dentists invest.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Jenni leaves an indelible legacy on generations of listeners. We are profoundly grateful for her outstanding contribution to Radio 4, and she will be deeply missed."

From BBC

What makes the character indelible is the ghoulish heavy makeup, a bright red wig with tiny bangs, and oversized tinted sunglasses -- a cartoonish look that has gone viral.

From Barron's

He has made an indelible mark with England and his presence alone will be difficult to replace.

From BBC

Related Words

• enduring
• lasting
• memorable
• stirring
• unforgettable