Uncrossable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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uncrossable

[ʌnˈkrɒsəbl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

obstacle

Not able to be crossed or passed over, typically referring to a barrier or terrain that is impossible to navigate.

Synonyms

impassable, insurmountable, untraversable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncrossable

Use this when describing something that cannot be crossed, often referring to physical barriers or obstacles. It can also imply a more temporary condition.

  • The river was uncrossable due to the heavy rain.
  • The border between the two countries seemed uncrossable.
impassable

Best suited for situations where a road, path, or passage is blocked or not able to be traveled through. It often emphasizes the inability to move forward.

  • The mountain path became impassable after the landslide.
  • The road was impassable due to the heavy snowstorm.
insurmountable

Use this when discussing challenges or obstacles that cannot be overcome, often in a figurative sense. This word conveys a more daunting or overwhelming nature.

  • The team's lack of experience was an insurmountable obstacle to winning the championship.
  • Debt can feel like an insurmountable problem if not managed wisely.
untraversable

This word is used when describing something that cannot be traveled or crossed, often in a more general or technical context.

  • The dense forest was untraversable without proper equipment.
  • The untraversable terrain made it difficult for hikers.

Examples of usage

  • The uncrossable river proved to be a major challenge for the explorers.
  • The uncrossable mountain range loomed ahead, blocking their path.
  • The uncrossable fence surrounded the property, making it difficult to access.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often face 'uncrossable' barriers that represent internal struggles or challenges they must overcome.
  • The concept can be found in tales of adventure where heroes encounter physical or emotional limits they must navigate.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, 'uncrossable' barriers can symbolize fears or emotional pain that a person feels unable to overcome.
  • Therapists may use this term to describe feelings of being stuck in a particular situation or mindset.

Geography

  • In geographical terms, some terrains are deemed 'uncrossable' due to their harsh conditions, like vast deserts or deep oceans.
  • Cartographers often mark certain regions as 'uncrossable' to denote areas that are impossible to traverse.

Pop Culture

  • Films and stories often feature 'uncrossable' barriers, like a mysterious fog or dark forest that keeps characters from entering a new world.
  • Video games frequently include 'uncrossable' obstacles that players must figure out how to get around or destroy.

Origin of 'uncrossable'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not,' while 'crossable' comes from 'cross,' which means to go across something.
  • The term helps describe various physical barriers or obstacles in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

The word 'uncrossable' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'crossable', which is derived from 'cross' meaning 'to move from one side to another'. The term emphasizes the inability to pass over or navigate through certain obstacles.


See also: cross, crossable, crossbar, crossbow, crosser, crosshair, crossing, crossly, crosspiece, crossroad, crossroads, crossway, crosswise.