Less likely than a relevant comparison to develop infection under specified conditions.
Reach for it when describing measured resistance without implying immunity
The trial compared infection-resistant seedlings with the standard variety during one wet season.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional |
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| formal |
everyday
Fits when the plant or animal tolerates difficult conditions generally
Careful Hardy says nothing specific about pathogen response.
everyday
less susceptible
Fits when the comparative finding should be stated without branding
Careful Less susceptible is precise but needs the comparison group and exposure conditions.
professional
disease-resistant
Fits when reduced susceptibility covers a named disease more broadly
Careful Disease resistance may act through mechanisms other than preventing infection.
professional
Fits when overall performance remains strong under stress
Careful Calling something robust can conceal which stress was actually tested.
formal
immune
Fits when the organism has specific protective immunity
Careful Immune is a stronger biological claim and can still be incomplete.
formal
pathogen-resistant
Fits when resistance is linked to a named pathogen
Careful Pathogen-resistant should not be generalized beyond the organism tested.
infection-resistant variety
The infection-resistant variety showed fewer cases under the trial conditions.
infection-resistant material
The coating is marketed as infection-resistant, but the report measures surface contamination only.
more infection-resistant
Older plants were more infection-resistant than seedlings in this study.
Keep in mind
Resistance is comparative and conditional. The pathogen, population, exposure, outcome, and study conditions should accompany the claim.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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