Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Impermeable to water; constructed so that water cannot enter or escape: Describes an object, container, or structure that is completely sealed against the passage of water.
   • Without flaws or loopholes; unassailable: Describes an argument, plan, alibi, or agreement that is so logically sound, complete, and well-prepared that it cannot be faulted or undermined.

Usage Examples

• Literal (Impermeable to water):
  • The ship's hull must be completely watertight to stay afloat.
  • Store the documents in a watertight container to protect them from flooding.
• Figurative (Flawless, unassailable):
  • The lawyer presented a watertight case, leaving no room for doubt.
  • We need a watertight plan before we present the proposal to the board.

Advanced Usage

• "Watertight compartment": A sealed section within a ship or other structure designed to prevent flooding from spreading.
  • The vessel survived the collision because the damage was confined to a single watertight compartment.
• "Watertight agreement/contract": A contract or agreement with terms so precise and comprehensive that there are no ambiguities to exploit.
  • After lengthy negotiations, they finally signed a watertight agreement that satisfied all parties.

Variants and Related Words

• Waterproof (adj): Resistant to water penetration, often used for fabrics or materials. (Note: "Watertight" often implies a more absolute seal, especially for containers or hulls, while "waterproof" is more general).
• Airtight (adj): Impermeable to air or gas; (figuratively) having no weaknesses, similar to the figurative use of "watertight".
  • They kept the food in an airtight jar.
  • The suspect had an airtight alibi for the night of the crime.

Synonyms

• Literal: Impermeable, sealed, hermetic.
• Figurative: Irrefutable, incontrovertible, unassailable, foolproof, bulletproof, ironclad.

Related Phrases

• "Make something watertight": To ensure something is completely sealed or flawless.
  • The engineers worked overnight to make the hatch watertight.
  • Before the trial, the legal team worked to make their argument watertight.

Related Idioms

• "Not watertight": Used to indicate that an argument or plan has weaknesses or flaws.
  • His excuse for being late was not watertight; the boss found several inconsistencies in his story.

Adjective

1. without flaws or loopholes
   • an ironclad contract
   • a watertight alibi
   • a bulletproof argument
2. not allowing water to pass in or out