Unbondable

Unbondable describes an individual, a group, or a substance considered incapable or extremely difficult to form meaningful, lasting, or healthy emotional connections or attachments. This can stem from various factors, including severe trauma, personality disorders, social isolation, or inherent characteristics. The term often implies a lack of trust, empathy, or the ability to reciprocate affection, leading to difficulties in relationships of any kind. It signifies a challenge to create strong bonds, whether familial, romantic, platonic, or even professional. It's a complex concept encompassing an inability or unwillingness to engage in the vulnerable processes necessary for forming lasting connections, leading to isolation or dysfunctional interactions.

Unbondable meaning with examples

• The child's history of abuse rendered her seemingly unbondable; therapists struggled to build a trusting relationship, as she consistently pushed away any attempts at emotional closeness. Despite various therapeutic interventions and countless hours, she remained closed off. Her inability to form a genuine connection frustrated all the professional people who tried to help her. It impacted her overall development.
• The company faced challenges with several of its employees, who were deemed unbondable due to their constant negativity and lack of teamwork, causing low morale and project failures. Attempts to improve company culture failed because some people refused to improve. These individuals’ destructive behaviour undermined team cohesion and cooperation, creating an unproductive workplace for the remaining staff. Firing them seemed like the only solution.
• After years of living off the grid, the hermit presented a challenge to befriending because of his unbondable state; he displayed deep-seated suspicion and aversion to human contact, making it almost impossible to hold a conversation, let alone build trust. Every attempt to introduce yourself was met with anger and a refusal to make any connections. Even though the local residents tried to give him food, he remained secluded.
• The experimental material proved unbondable to the existing surface, failing to form a cohesive and durable joint, despite using various adhesives and surface treatments. Every attempt to form a lasting seal was unsuccessful, preventing the product from being used. Engineers went through all possibilities, but nothing seemed to work with this unbondable material.