unscratchable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unscratchable' is not a recognized English word.
You may use it informally when speaking, however it is not appropriate to use in formal written English.

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It drives you mad, partly because the itch is unscratchable and partly because it keeps moving around.

Independent

And how do you design it at the highest quality — with an unscratchable screen, for instance — while also ensuring that millions can be manufactured quickly and inexpensively enough to earn a significant profit?

The New York Times

Magic Gold is a gold alloy made of 75 percent 18-karat gold and 25 percent aluminum that was developed by Hublot in collaboration with the metallurgy department of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne as an exceptionally hard and virtually unscratchable material, according to the brand.

The New York Times

The only solution was using unscratchable glass instead.

The New York Times

His body writhes in discomfort, as if his soul were seized by an unscratchable itch.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Near-unscratchable screens that are expected to be one of the biggest selling points of the iPhone 6 when Apple unveils the latest model in September are to go into large-scale production this month.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product feature, it's generally safer to use "scratch-resistant" or "scratchproof" as they are more widely recognized and accepted terms than "unscratchable".

Common error

Avoid using "unscratchable" if the product is merely highly scratch-resistant. Ensure that your claim aligns with the actual performance of the material, as even the toughest materials can be scratched under extreme conditions.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unscratchable" describes a quality or characteristic of an object, specifying its resistance to being scratched. Ludwig indicates that it's not formally recognized. While functionally descriptive, its usage is less common than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "unscratchable" describes something resistant to scratches, but is not formally recognized in standard English. Ludwig suggests alternatives like "scratch-resistant" or "scratchproof" are more appropriate in formal contexts. While understandable, "unscratchable" is primarily found in news or media, and promotional materials. It's acceptable but less professional. When describing product features, prioritize accuracy and clarity. If a surface is merely highly resistant, avoid exaggerating with "unscratchable". Use more common and verifiable alternatives to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scratch-resistant

Focuses specifically on the resistance to scratches, a more common and widely accepted term.

scratchproof

Implies complete immunity to scratches, similar to "unscratchable" but more common.

highly durable

Indicates a general robustness and resistance to damage, including scratches.

resistant to abrasions

Specifically addresses resistance to surface wear and scratches from rubbing.

hard-wearing

Highlights the ability to withstand wear and tear, including scratches, over time.

impervious to scratches

Stresses the inability of scratches to penetrate or damage the surface.

extremely robust

Emphasizes the strength and resilience against various forms of damage, including scratches.

tough as nails

A more informal idiom suggesting extreme durability and scratch resistance.

built to last

Focuses on the longevity and durability of the object, implying resistance to damage including scratches.

designed for resilience

Highlights the intentional design for withstanding damage, including scratches and wear.

FAQs

Is "unscratchable" grammatically correct?

While "unscratchable" is understandable, it is not a formally recognized word in English dictionaries. It is better to use alternatives like "scratch-resistant" or "scratchproof".

What does "unscratchable" mean?

"Unscratchable" means impossible to scratch. It describes a surface that is extremely resistant to marks or damage from sharp objects. However, it's worth noting that no material is truly 100% "scratchproof" in all conditions.

When is it appropriate to use "unscratchable"?

It might be acceptable in informal contexts or marketing materials for emphasis. In formal writing, it is preferable to use "scratch-resistant" or "scratchproof" for clarity and professionalism.

What are some synonyms for "unscratchable"?

Synonyms include "scratch-resistant", "scratchproof", "abrasion-resistant", and "highly durable", which are all more commonly used and recognized.