Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɪmˈpɛnɪtəns/
KK: /ɪmˈpɛnɪtəns/
Definition
The state of not feeling sorry or regretful for one's wrong actions.
Example
His impenitence after the incident shocked everyone around him.
Conversation

Did you hear about the guy who stole from the charity?

Yeah, it's shocking that he showed such impenitence after getting caught.

Right? It's like he has no remorse at all.

I know! It's hard to believe someone can be so unrepentant.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unrepentance
remorselessness
insensibility
Antonyms
repentance
contrition
remorse
Root Explanation
Impenitence is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "paenitentia" (meaning repentance or remorse). The word describes a state of not feeling remorse or regret for one's actions.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('in-') feeling 'remorse' ('paenitentia') — that's what impenitence means.
Visually Confused Words
penitence
penitencer
renitence
impotence
dipentene