unsinkable

The term "unsinkable" refers to a vessel or object that is designed or believed to be incapable of sinking in water. This buoyancy is typically achieved through a combination of inherent structural design and specialized materials. Modern ships, for instance, are often built with watertight compartments. If one compartment is breached and floods, the others remain dry, allowing the ship to stay afloat. This design significantly enhances survivability in case of damage.

Historically, the concept of an "unsinkable" ship gained prominence with the RMS Titanic. While its construction incorporated advanced safety features for its time, the disaster proved that no vessel is truly unsinkable. The term can also be applied to smaller objects, such as certain types of life vests or flotation devices, which are engineered to maintain buoyancy even when submerged. The effectiveness of any "unsinkable" design depends on various factors, including the extent of damage, the amount of water ingress, and the integrity of the remaining buoyant structures. Despite technological advancements, the term remains aspirational rather than an absolute guarantee.