B2nounformalhealthscience
US/ɪˈmjuː.nɪ.ti/
UK/ɪˈmjuː.nɪ.ti/
the body's ability to resist a particular disease or infection
In context
Breast milk helps build a baby's immunity to common infections.
Lack of sleep can weaken your immunity and make you catch colds more often.
Scientists are studying how long immunity lasts after vaccination.
Words that go with immunity
noun + preposition
- immunity toMost adults have immunity to chickenpox.
verb + noun
- build immunityExposure to germs helps children build immunity.
- boost immunityMany people take vitamin C to boost immunity.
adjective + noun
- natural immunityNatural immunity may fade after a few months.
- lifelong immunityChickenpox usually gives lifelong immunity.
noun + noun
- herd immunityHerd immunity protects people who cannot be vaccinated.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
immunity against the virusCorrect: immunity to the virus