WordGarden.iounsinkable
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnsˈɪŋkəbəl/
US
- /ənˈsɪŋkəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
not able or likely to sink in water
unlikely to fail, collapse, or be defeated
Beyond the definition
The story of the Titanic taught us a harsh lesson about overconfidence. Before its tragic sinking, the ship was famously called "unsinkable." The word suggests that something, especially a ship, is built so well that it seems almost impossible to send to the bottom.
"Unsinkable" can also be used in a figurative way. We might say someone is "unsinkable" if they are very resilient and always recover after setbacks. A business plan could be described this way if it is well planned and likely to succeed even when serious problems appear. The word suggests strength, staying power, and the ability to keep going. Just remember: even the strongest plans can run into unexpected storms.
"Unsinkable" originally referred to vessels—ships, boats, and submarines—designed with watertight compartments and other features meant to keep them from going beneath the surface of the water, even if they were damaged. It suggested a very high level of safety and stability at sea. The term became especially famous after the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, which many people believed was "practically unsinkable" before its maiden voyage. That disaster showed that nothing is truly unsinkable, and it became a lasting warning against overconfidence and against trusting too much in design alone.
However, "unsinkable" is also used far beyond the world of ships. It often describes people, plans, teams, or ideas that seem too strong to fail. A person with great inner strength might be called "unsinkable," meaning they are hard to discourage and keep coming back after hard times. In the same way, a project with careful planning and strong support might be described as "unsinkable" because it seems likely to survive pressure and keep moving forward.
The key idea is that "unsinkable" points to unusual strength, not absolute perfection. It usually means very unlikely to fail, not unable to fail. Whether you are talking about a ship, a person, or a plan, the word carries a sense of confidence, endurance, and survival. Still, it is best used with care, because even the strongest things can meet forces they were not built to handle.
Examples
- 1
Titanic
For decades, people believed the Titanic was unsinkable.
- 2
Boat design
The designer says the new rescue boat is almost unsinkable, even in rough seas.
- 3
Personal confidence
After two failed businesses, she still had an unsinkable sense of confidence.
- 4
Political power
For years, the prime minister seemed politically unsinkable, but the scandal ended that.
See also
Similar
- sink-proof
- buoyant
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- sinkable
- submersible
Used with (collocations)
- unsinkable ship
- unsinkable boat
- practically unsinkable
- famously unsinkable
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unsinkableadjective