: not resistant
specifically : susceptible to the effects of a deleterious agent (such as an insecticide, a pathogen, or an extreme environmental condition)
nonresistant noun

Examples of nonresistant in a Sentence

the nonresistant arrest of most of the demonstrators
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the new drug kills off the resistant bacteria, nonresistant versions will have a better chance of surviving. K. N. Smith, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2016 Over time, the proportion of resistant bacteria will increase as nonresistant bacteria are killed by the antibiotic. Andre Hudson, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonresistant was in 1702

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Cite this Entry

“Nonresistant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonresistant. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

nonresistant

adjective
: not resistant
especially : unable to withstand the effects of a harmful substance (as an insecticide or antibiotic)
nonresistant bacteria
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