unbreakable

USAGE SUMMARY

'unbreakable' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is physically impossible to break, though it can also be used figuratively to describe something that is unchangeable or indestructible. Example sentence: "The bond between them was unbreakable; no matter what, they would always be there for each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cast your eye down the order today, from Rogers and Warner to Clarke, Smith and Haddin, and there's a spine that – while still young – seems suddenly, improbably unbreakable.

The Guardian - Sport

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Netflix Tina Fey's newest show (she writes but doesn't star), is the story of an escapee from a doomsday cult who attempts to start anew in New York.

The Guardian

Tarantino used these genres as launchpads from which to riff wildly within his own idiosyncratic realm of preposterous dialogue and hairpin-bend twists, but each film remained attached by an unbreakable umbilical cord to its origin.

The Guardian - Film

The trend for cancelled shows being picked up online has been adopted by other TV streaming services: Netflix revived Arrested Development and picked up Tina Fey's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt after NBC passed on it; while Yahoo gave Community a new lease of life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As a result, the Lawrence family and Britain have an unbreakable bond.

The Economist

It is also thanks to health, pension and (sometimes) housing benefits, which are seen as generous and permanent in a society with an underfunded safety net a modern version of the unbreakable Maoist "iron rice-bowl" of state employment.In this section The golden rice-bowl Paradise lost ReprintsSome civil-service jobs, and almost all senior jobs, require membership of the Communist Party.

The Economist

Still, the commute has become the chief expository site of a variant example of "Japanese exceptionalism": the notion that society in Japan is governed by subtle but unbreakable social rules, where group-think trumps the individual and automatons replace the freedom-loving and autonomous actors of the West.

The Economist

They lost their seemingly unbreakable grip on the governor's office because of their own squabbling in 1986.

The Economist

All too often, MPs who change sides loudly insist that they enjoy an unbreakable bond with the voters of their constituency and thus have the right, indeed a duty, to sit tight until the next general election.

The Economist

Oracle, the world's second-largest software firm, has launched a high-profile campaign trumpeting (to guffaws from security experts) that its database software is "unbreakable".

The Economist

Oracle praises its databases in adverts as "unbreakable".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unbreakable" to describe both physical objects and abstract concepts like bonds, relationships, or codes, but ensure the context makes the meaning clear. For example, an "unbreakable" vase versus an "unbreakable" bond.

Common error

Avoid using "unbreakable" in overly sentimental or clichéd contexts, such as describing every strong relationship as "unbreakable". Opt for more nuanced vocabulary to convey the specific qualities of the bond.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unbreakable" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their resistance to being broken. It can apply to both tangible objects and abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms this common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unbreakable" functions primarily as an adjective denoting exceptional strength and resistance to being broken. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias", indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While versatile, avoid overusing it in clichéd contexts to maintain clarity and impact. Semantically related phrases include "indestructible" and "unshakeable", each offering slightly different nuances of resilience and permanence. Use "unbreakable" thoughtfully to effectively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indestructible

Emphasizes the inability to be destroyed physically.

unshakeable

Highlights a steadfast and unwavering resolve or belief.

impregnable

Focuses on the inability to be penetrated or overcome, often used in a defensive context.

impervious

Stresses the inability to be affected or harmed by something.

resilient

Indicates the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

durable

Focuses on the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.

robust

Suggests strength and health; capable of enduring difficult conditions.

lasting

Highlights the ability to endure for a long time.

permanent

Focuses on something that is not intended to be changed or removed.

unyielding

Emphasizes inflexibility and resistance to pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "unbreakable" in a sentence?

You can use "unbreakable" to describe something that cannot be broken physically, like "This glass is unbreakable", or metaphorically, like "Their bond was unbreakable".

What are some alternatives to the word "unbreakable"?

Alternatives include "indestructible", "unshakeable", or "impervious", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "unbreakable" to describe a person's spirit?

Yes, using "unbreakable" to describe a person's spirit is acceptable. It suggests the person has a "resilient" and strong character that cannot be easily defeated.

What's the difference between "unbreakable" and "durable"?

"Unbreakable" implies something cannot be broken, while "durable" suggests something is long-lasting and resistant to wear but not necessarily impossible to break. A phone screen can be "durable" but not "unbreakable".