WordGarden.ioimpermissible
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˌɪmpərˈmɪsɪbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
not allowed by law, rules, or accepted standards
Beyond the definition
Something that's impermissible isn't permitted. It breaks a rule, goes against a standard, or isn't acceptable in a particular situation. Think of it as a formal way to say "not allowed." A magician might treat it as impermissible to reveal how a trick is done, and a courtroom would treat lying under oath as impermissible. It's not just about what can't be done; it suggests there is a clear reason or rule against it.
Imagine you're building with LEGOs. Your parents might allow you to build a castle, but they would likely say it's impermissible to use your little brother's blocks without asking first. The word suggests that a boundary has been crossed. It often appears in legal or formal contexts where clear rules are in place.
The word "impermissible" means not permitted or not acceptable under a rule, standard, or principle. It is a formal way of saying that something is prohibited. While "not allowed" can sound simple and everyday, impermissible often points to a clearer reason something cannot be accepted, such as a law, a policy, or an ethical rule.
You'll frequently encounter "impermissible" in legal settings. For example, evidence obtained illegally might be deemed impermissible in a legal proceeding. It also appears in academic and technical writing when discussing rules, regulations, or boundaries. A scientist might state that certain experimental methods are impermissible due to safety concerns or ethical violations.
However, the word is not limited to formal contexts. You could say a particular behavior is "impermissible" within a social group if it goes against shared norms or values. For instance, interrupting someone repeatedly during a serious conversation might be considered impermissible in polite company.
The root of the word comes from "permissible," meaning allowed, combined with the prefix "im-" indicating negation, so it literally means not permissible. When something is labeled as impermissible, it usually means more than "please don't do this." It suggests that some rule, authority, or principle clearly says it should not be done, and that there may be consequences if it is.
Examples
- 1
Exam rules
Under the exam rules, any use of a phone is impermissible.
- 2
Court evidence
The court ruled that the evidence had been obtained in an impermissible way.
- 3
Workplace rights
In many places, it is impermissible to fire someone for joining a union.
- Usageit is impermissible to + verb
a common formal pattern in laws and policies
- 4
Interview rules
The interviewer was warned that questions about age or religion were impermissible.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical ethics
The committee decided that using patients' data without consent was ethically impermissible.
See also
Similar
- prohibited
- forbidden
- not allowed
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- impermissible conduct
- impermissible discrimination
- impermissible restriction
Word family
- impermissibly
- impermissibility
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- impermissibleadjective