"resistant to" vs "resistant against"

Question

"resistant to" vs "resistant against"

Both 'resistant to' and 'resistant against' are commonly used in English, but 'resistant to' is more widely accepted and preferred. They are often interchangeable, but 'resistant to' is more idiomatic and natural in most contexts.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'resistant to' when describing the ability of something to withstand or avoid the effects of something else.

Examples:

The material is resistant to water damage.
She is resistant to change.
The vaccine is resistant to the new strain of the virus.
The plant is resistant to pests.
He is resistant to the cold weather.

Alternatives:

immune to
tolerant of
protected from
defensive against
unaffected by

Use 'resistant against' when emphasizing the opposition or defense against something.

Examples:

The army is resistant against enemy attacks.
The new coating is resistant against scratches.
The medication is resistant against certain bacteria.
The firewall is resistant against cyber threats.
The organization is resistant against external pressures.

Alternatives:

resistant to
defensive against
opposed to
fighting against
protective against

Answer 1

resistant to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

resistant against

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"resistant to" vs "resistant against"

resistant to

resistant against

Related Comparisons