airtight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "airtight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is sealed or impervious to air, often used metaphorically to indicate that an argument or plan is flawless or without loopholes. Example: "The lawyer presented an airtight case that left no room for doubt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Set aside to cool and harden, then chop half the brittle into roughly 1cm pieces (keep the rest in an airtight container as a nibble).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The only way to avoid the condensation is to place them in an airtight container before putting them in the refrigerator and then leave them in the container when you remove them from the refrigerator until they come to room temperature, or to serve them right away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This makes more than the 150g you need – store the rest in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They will keep well if you store them in an airtight container.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leave to cool before storing in an airtight container.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

7 Once baked, allow to cool completely and store in airtight box for about 1-2 weeks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stored in an airtight container, they'll last for three days in the fridge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Serve the friands within a day of making, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sustainable Spaces, a company in San Francisco that assesses the environmental performance of houses, measures how airtight a home is using a device called a "calibrated blower door"—an adjustable barrier that suspends a powerful fan in a blocked doorway.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

One of the ideas that its corporate-fraud task-force, a sort of legal think-tank set up to absorb political pressure, has been floating is to bring more less-than-airtight cases before juries, as an antidote to the conservative instincts that white-collar crime encourages among prosecutors.Prosecutors have some things going for them.

The Economist

The original Zeppelins were based on a rigid design in which separate gas-tight compartments were surrounded by a metal frame covered with a non-airtight fabric.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "airtight" metaphorically, verify that it accurately reflects the absence of flaws or weaknesses in a plan or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "airtight" in casual conversations where simpler words like "sealed" or "closed" would suffice. Overusing formal vocabulary can make your speech sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The word "airtight" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate a quality of being impermeable to air or, metaphorically, of being without flaws. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Independent

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "airtight" is a versatile adjective used both literally to describe something impermeable to air and metaphorically to denote something flawless. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. The analysis indicates that it's most frequently encountered in News & Media and Encyclopedias, with a neutral formality level. When writing, use "airtight" to emphasize complete impermeability or the absence of weaknesses. Alternatives include "hermetically sealed" and "watertight" depending on the specific context. Avoid overuse in informal contexts to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hermetically sealed

Emphasizes a complete and secure seal, often associated with scientific or technical contexts.

impermeable

Focuses on the inability of substances to pass through, highlighting the barrier aspect.

sealed tight

Highlights the strength and effectiveness of the seal.

watertight

Specifically refers to being impermeable to water, useful in contexts where water resistance is key.

flawless

Shifts the meaning towards being without imperfections or defects, often used metaphorically.

impenetrable

Emphasizes the inability to be pierced or entered, suggesting a strong barrier.

leakproof

Indicates an inability to leak, useful when discussing containers or enclosures.

unassailable

Focuses on the inability to be attacked or challenged, often used in argumentative contexts.

gas-tight

Specifically refers to being impermeable to gases, useful in technical or industrial contexts.

bulletproof

Metaphorically suggests invulnerability to criticism or failure, extending the concept of impermeability.

FAQs

How is "airtight" used in a sentence?

You can use "airtight" to describe something impermeable to air, such as "an airtight container", or metaphorically, to describe something without flaws, such as "an airtight argument".

What are some synonyms for "airtight"?

Alternatives to "airtight" include "hermetically sealed", "impermeable", or "watertight", depending on the context.

When should I use "airtight" versus "waterproof"?

"Airtight" implies a barrier against air, while "waterproof" means resistant to water. Use "airtight" when air impermeability is crucial, and "waterproof" when water resistance is needed.

Is it appropriate to use "airtight" in formal writing?

Yes, "airtight" is suitable for formal writing, especially in technical or legal contexts where precision is important. It conveys a strong sense of impermeability or flawlessness.