The prefix in- means "not" in numerous English words (think of indecent, indecisive, inconvenient, and infallible). When in- teamed up with the Latin domitare ("to tame"), the result was a word meaning "unable to be tamed." Indomitable was first used in English in the 1600s as a synonym of wild, but over time the wildness associated with indomitable developed into a specific kind of strength. By the 1800s, indomitable was being used for people whose courage and persistence helped them to succeed in difficult situations.
an indomitable spirit was needed to endure the rigors of pioneer life
Recent Examples on the WebHe was celebrated for his athletic prowess, his deep political and religious convictions and — above all — his indomitable spirit. Amethyst Tate, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2022 What was attacked, the indomitable spirit has never, ever wavered.CBS News, 11 Sep. 2022 And, perhaps most obvious of all, that indomitable spirit, buoyed by a sellout crowd willing her to win. Tim Bielik, cleveland, 31 Aug. 2022 His indomitable spirit kept getting chipped away over the months that followed, as setbacks recycled, surgeries piled and a recovery process that’s supposed to last roughly 10 months almost doubled. Ryan Wood, USA TODAY, 22 Aug. 2022 Churchill made sure Roosevelt knew about the British people’s indomitable spirit in the face of constant bombing. Jeff Bradford, Forbes, 11 Aug. 2022 Over more than two decades, Serena, who will be 41 next month, used her indomitable spirit to obliterate opponents and record books, earning 23 Grand Slam singles titles among 73 career singles championships. Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 10 Aug. 2022 As history showed, however, the Soviet Union wasn’t indomitable. David Satter, WSJ, 30 Dec. 2021 The phrase, used by Mr. Kim in his video messages, has become a proud expression of the indomitable spirit of Mykolaiv.New York Times, 22 June 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Late Latin indomitabilis, from Latin in- + domitare to tame — more at daunt