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Definition of impassable

impassable

/ɪmˈpæs.ə.bəl/
im · pas · sa · ble
Adverb:impassably
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impassable Lexical Profile

impassable Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Impossible to travel along, across, or through, typically because of physical obstacles or severe weather conditions.

Example

"Heavy overnight snowfalls left several high mountain roads completely impassable until afternoon."

2

Impossible to overcome, surmount, or get past (of a barrier, difficulty, or divide).

Example

"Language differences initially created an impassable barrier between the two research teams."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for impassable
Antonyms
View all antonyms for impassable

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'impassable' (impossible to travel across or through) with its homophone 'impassible' (incapable of feeling pain, suffering, or emotion).

• Rhymes for impassable

• Nearby Words

impartiality
impartially
impartialness
impassable
impasse
impassion
impassioned

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-16th century from the assimilated Latin privative prefix 'im-' (not) combined with 'passable', from Old French 'passer' (to pass or cross).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Impassable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/impassable
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