What does sinkable mean?
Sinkable means capable of being sunk or submerged, and it is commonly used for boats, vessels, cargo, and materials in maritime or environmental contexts. The word can also be used informally about a person, product, performance, or idea that is considered extremely unattractive, unpersuasive, or doomed to fail. This figurative use is strongly dismissive and may be offensive when directed at a person, particularly in formal or sensitive settings. In its literal sense, the word is straightforward and technical, describing the physical property of an object rather than its condition: a boat is sinkable, while a damaged or already submerged boat is not accurately described in those terms. The term became especially familiar through the expression “unsinkable,” which appears in ship design, insurance, advertising, and popular culture. For example, an inflatable lifeboat may be advertised as sinkable because it is intended to remain on the surface even if punctured.
adjectiveCapable of being sunk or submerged. Informally, a person or thing regarded as very unattractive or unlikely to appeal to others.
- Able to be sunk, submerged, or lowered beneath the surface of water.
- Informally, so unattractive or unappealing that someone or something is considered unlikely to succeed socially or commercially.
"The small boat was not sinkable, but it was certainly not designed for rough seas."
"The vessel was built from sinkable materials and was designed to remain afloat only briefly."
"The pitch was so dull that the committee described the proposal as completely sinkable."
A ship can be sinkable, while a person described as sinkable is being informally dismissed as utterly unappealing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sinkable come from?
The word is formed from the English verb “sink” with the suffix “-able,” a productive ending meaning “capable of being” or “liable to be.” “Sink” itself comes from Old English “sinkan,” an inherited Germanic verb with cognates in other Germanic languages. The compound entered regular English use as a descriptive adjective for vessels and objects.
Related word forms
How sinkable is actually used
The literal sense is neutral and technical. The figurative sense is informal and can sound dismissive or insulting, especially when applied to a person, so it is best used in casual contexts rather than formal writing.
Easily confused with sinkable
Sinkable describes something capable of being submerged, whereas sinking refers to the process or movement of going under.
Sunken means already submerged or below the surface, while sinkable means capable of being sunk.