Impassable: meaning, definitions and examples

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impassable

[ ɪmˈpæsəbl ]

^{Context #1}

in a physical sense

Impossible to pass, cross, or travel through.

Synonyms

impenetrable, inaccessible, unpassable

Examples of usage

The road was blocked by an impassable snowdrift.
The terrain was so rugged that it was impassable on foot.
The river had become impassable due to the flooding.
The mountain pass was deemed impassable during the winter.
The dense forest was nearly impassable without a machete.

^{Context #2}

in a metaphorical sense

Unable to be overcome or surmounted.

Synonyms

insurmountable, unbeatable, unconquerable

Examples of usage

The language barrier seemed impassable at first, but they eventually found a way to communicate.
The cultural divide between the two groups appeared impassable, but efforts were made to bridge the gap.
The emotional distance between them felt impassable, but they worked on rebuilding their connection.
The ideological differences seemed impassable, yet they managed to find common ground.
The financial obstacles appeared impassable, but they persevered and succeeded.

Translations

Translations of the word "impassable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intransitável

🇮🇳 अप्रवेशनीय

🇩🇪 unpassierbar

🇮🇩 tidak bisa dilalui

🇺🇦 непрохідний

🇵🇱 nieprzejezdny

🇯🇵 通行不能

🇫🇷 infranchissable

🇪🇸 intransitable

🇹🇷 geçilmez

🇰🇷 통행할 수 없는

🇸🇦 غير سالك

🇨🇿 neprůchodný

🇸🇰 neprejazdný

🇨🇳 无法通行的

🇸🇮 neprehoden

🇮🇸 ófær

🇰🇿 жолсыз

🇬🇪 გაუვალი

🇦🇿 keçilməz

🇲🇽 intransitable

Word origin

The word 'impassable' dates back to the mid-17th century, derived from the prefix 'im-' meaning 'not' and the word 'passable'. It originally referred to physical obstacles that were impossible to pass or cross. Over time, its usage expanded to include metaphorical barriers and challenges that seemed insurmountable. The evolution of the word reflects the human experience of facing obstacles and finding ways to overcome them.