Unpassable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unpassable

[ʌnˈpæsəbl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

inaccessibility

Not able to be passed, crossed, or traveled through

Synonyms

impassable, inaccessible, uncrossable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unpassable	Used to describe a route or path that cannot be traveled due to physical obstructions. The mountain trail was unpassable after the storm caused several landslides Due to heavy snowfall, the roads were unpassable
impassable	Used when something cannot be traveled through or over, usually referring to natural barriers. The thick jungle made the route impassable Flooding has made the bridge impassable
uncrossable	Used when something cannot be crossed, usually referring to water bodies or barriers. The river was uncrossable without a boat The chasm appeared uncrossable without proper climbing gear
inaccessible	Used to describe something that cannot be reached or accessed, often due to physical or technical barriers. The remote village is inaccessible during the rainy season The top-secret files are stored in an inaccessible database

Examples of usage

It was an unpassable road due to the heavy snowfall.
The river was unpassable after the storm.
The mountain terrain was unpassable for inexperienced hikers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

In literature, 'unpassable' often describes metaphorical barriers that characters must overcome, representing psychological or moral challenges.
Works like 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost explore themes of choices and the 'unpassable' paths in life that one must navigate.
This term contributes to world-building in fantasy novels where certain terrains or areas are deemed unpassable due to magical forces or mythical creatures.

Science

Environmental studies often use 'unpassable' to refer to physical barriers like dams or cliffs that affect animal migration and ecosystem health.
In geology, impassable terrain can dictate the flow of water and influence the formation of natural features.
Certain species are adapted to live in 'unpassable' environments, like the deep sea, where few forms of life can thrive.

Cultural Context

In some cultures, unpassable roads are symbolic of life's challenges, seen in proverbs emphasizing resilience and perseverance.
Urban legends often depict unpassable areas, like haunted houses or cursed sites, generating community narratives around fear and mystery.
In various sports, a 'unpassable' barrier might represent a major obstacle that athletes strive to overcome, like a world record.

Origin of 'unpassable'

Main points about word origin

The word 'unpassable' combines the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' with 'passable,' which comes from the Latin root 'passare,' meaning 'to step or go by'.
In Middle English, words similar to 'passable' indicated the ability to cross over, making 'unpassable' a direct negation of that idea.
The term has been used since at least the 18th century to describe obstacles like rivers or mountains.

The word 'unpassable' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'passable' meaning 'able to be passed through'. The concept of something being unpassable has been recognized throughout history, especially in relation to difficult terrains, obstacles, or barriers that hinder passage. The term has been used to describe various physical and metaphorical barriers that are impossible or extremely challenging to overcome.