What does unbreakable mean?
Unbreakable is an adjective meaning that something cannot be broken, physically broken, or figuratively overcome. In literal descriptions, it is used for exceptionally strong materials, fastenings, chains, or other objects. More often, it characterizes an enduring human or emotional connection: an unbreakable bond, promise, or friendship. It can also describe determination, loyalty, or resolve that does not yield under pressure. The word therefore carries a strongly positive connotation when applied to relationships and personal qualities, suggesting resilience and reliability; in technical or commercial contexts, it signals exceptional durability. When someone has an “unbreakable record,” the expression usually means that no achievement has surpassed it, rather than that the physical record cannot be damaged. Unbreakable is transparent in formation—“not” plus “break” plus “able to be”—and is especially useful when an object or relationship is presented as exceptionally durable, secure, or persistent.
adjectiveIncapable of being broken or damaged. By extension, so strong, enduring, or committed as to resist disruption, defeat, or separation.
- Unable to be broken or damaged physically.
- So strong, enduring, or committed as to resist disruption, defeat, or separation.
- So outstanding as to be impossible for a record or achievement to surpass.
"Years of mutual trust had created an unbreakable bond between the sisters."
"The case is made of virtually unbreakable polycarbonate."
"Her determination remained unbreakable despite repeated setbacks."
Unbreakable compresses a simple promise into three pieces: un- + break + -able—‘not able to be broken.’
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unbreakable come from?
Unbreakable was formed in English from the prefix un-, meaning “not,” the verb break, and the suffix -able, meaning “capable of being.” It is an early 19th-century formation within the productive English pattern of un- plus a verb and -able. Its root verb, break, descends from Old English brecan and Proto-Germanic *brekaną; related Germanic developments include the English word brake.
Related word forms
How unbreakable is actually used
The adjective is used both attributively and after a linking verb, as in “an unbreakable promise” and “the promise is unbreakable.” It commonly carries a positive, emphatic connotation when describing relationships, loyalty, or resolve. In the expression “unbreakable record,” it usually means unsurpassed rather than physically indestructible.
Easily confused with unbreakable
An unbroken chain has remained intact, whereas an unbreakable chain is designed or understood to be impossible to break.