penetration

noun

pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce penetration (audio)
1
a
: the power to penetrate
especially : the ability to discern deeply and acutely
b
: the depth to which something penetrates
c
: the extent to which a commercial product or agency is familiar or sells in a market
2
: the act or process of penetrating: such as
a
: the act of entering a country so that actual establishment of influence is accomplished
b
: an attack that penetrates the enemy's front or territory
Choose the Right Synonym for penetration

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of penetration in a Sentence

Cuts in the skin could permit the penetration of bacteria into the body. the penetration of the CIA by foreign agents the penetration of the U.S. market by a foreign company multiple penetrations into enemy territory a writer who analyzes the underlying causes of the recession with great penetration
Recent Examples on the Web Meanwhile, the total penetration of EVs is less than 3%. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2024 According to the Atlántico’s Latin America Digital Transformation Report published last year, regional internet penetration jumped from 42% to 78% in a decade, although internet services are still too costly for the lower income households. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 19 Feb. 2024 Even though Butler might be leaving his man at times to help when other Heat wing players are victimized by penetrations, that alone wouldn’t account for that drop. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Phoenix is 16th in defensive rating and has struggled to contain the ball on dribble penetration. Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 13 Jan. 2024 As for a near-absence of renewable hydrogen, a McKinsey & Company analysis argues that green hydrogen’s price will quickly fall below that of fossil hydrogen as market penetration grows. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Feb. 2024 In addition, Fubo alleged, the companies impose non-market penetration requirements (the percentage of total subscribers to which a content package must be sold to or cannot exceed) on Fubo. Todd Spangler, Variety, 20 Feb. 2024 But absent that high level of iPhone penetration, iMessage cannot thrive amongst groups of friends or families or coworkers. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Internet penetration, a vital component in expanding the SVOD service, is fortunately robust in the region. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 19 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'penetration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of penetration was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near penetration

Cite this Entry

“Penetration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penetration. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

penetration

noun
pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce penetration (audio)
1
: the act or process of penetrating
2
a
: the depth to which something penetrates
b
: keen understanding

Medical Definition

penetration

noun
pen·​e·​tra·​tion ˌpen-ə-ˈtrā-shən How to pronounce penetration (audio)
1
: the depth to which something penetrates
2
: the act or process of penetrating
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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