Waterproof
What it means
Made to prevent water from passing through.
Reach for it when describing protection intended to withstand water rather than a light splash
A waterproof case kept the field notes dry during the river survey.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional |
|
| formal |
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everyday
rainproof
Fits when falling rain is the particular exposure
Careful Rainproof does not promise protection underwater or under pressure.
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everyday
Fits when protection from several outdoor conditions is intended
Careful Weatherproof includes sun and wind but may not survive immersion.
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professional
sealed
Fits when openings have been closed against entry
Careful A sealed object can still be made from material that eventually absorbs water.
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professional
Fits when limited exposure or splashes are the tested boundary
Careful Water-resistant is a weaker claim and should not replace waterproof for submersion.
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professional
Fits when a closed container or structure admits no water
Careful Watertight suits joints and enclosures better than clothing or surface material.
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formal
impermeable
Fits when no liquid or gas can pass through a material
Careful Impermeable is a broad technical property and says nothing about seams or construction.
Opposites 3
- permeable
- absorbent
- leaky
Common phrases 3
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waterproof jacket
The waterproof jacket stayed breathable during the steep climb.
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fully waterproof
Only the fully waterproof compartment should carry the radio across the ford.
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waterproof membrane
A waterproof membrane protected the roof garden from the rooms below.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated