Impassable: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to roads, paths, or routes that cannot be traversed, typically due to physical barriers or severe conditions. This word often implies a temporary obstacle that's natural or weather-related.

• The heavy snowfall made the mountain pass impassable.
• Floodwaters had rendered the main road impassable for days.

Describes something that cannot be passed through or entered because it is too dense or solid. Often used for things that are difficult to understand or gain access to, not just physically impassable areas.

• The thick forest was nearly impenetrable.
• Her motives remained impenetrable to everyone in the room.

Refers to locations, things, or information that are difficult or impossible to reach due to physical, technical, or social barriers. It often suggests there might be no clear path or way to get to the destination.

• The remote village is inaccessible during the winter.
• Certain websites remained inaccessible without proper authorization.

Much like 'impassable,' this word is used for describing paths or routes that cannot be crossed. It is less common and can be considered somewhat archaic.

• After the storm, the hiking trail was unpassable due to fallen trees.

Use when describing a physical barrier or obstacle that cannot be crossed or traveled through.

• The heavy snowfall made the mountain roads impassable
• The fallen trees rendered the path through the forest impassable