What does uncrossable mean?
Uncrossable is an adjective meaning that cannot be crossed. Its clearest use is literal: a flooded river, a steep ravine, or a road blocked by wreckage may be called uncrossable because a person or vehicle cannot pass over it. The adjective can also describe an abstract barrier, such as a divide or disagreement, when it is impossible to overcome or move beyond. In such figurative uses, it is more emphatic than difficult and often suggests a complete separation rather than a temporary obstacle. The word belongs mainly to formal or descriptive writing, although it is readily understood in ordinary English. Because uncrossable specifically combines the ideas of crossing and inability, it is more precise than simply saying that something is blocked when the point is that no crossing is possible. It is also different from uncrossed, which says that something has not been crossed and may imply that crossing was possible or that crossing was deliberately avoided.
adjectiveUnable to be crossed, especially by a person or vehicle; figuratively, impossible to overcome or get beyond.
- Unable to be crossed, as by a person or vehicle.
- Impossible to overcome, move beyond, or reconcile, as with a barrier or divide.
"The flood had made the river uncrossable for several days."
"The fallen tree left the mountain path uncrossable."
"The disagreement created an uncrossable divide between the two communities."
Some borders are drawn on maps; an uncrossable one is written into the terrain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uncrossable come from?
Uncrossable was formed in English by combining the prefix un- with cross and the suffix -able. The element cross comes through Old English cros from Latin crux, meaning a cross or a crossing point, while -able is an adjective-forming suffix ultimately related to Latin -abilis, meaning capable of being. The word therefore literally conveys the idea of not being able to be crossed.
Related word forms
How uncrossable is actually used
Relatively uncommon and more typical of formal or descriptive writing. It is usually applied to physical obstacles, but figurative uses with barriers, divides, and differences are well established. It should not be confused with 'uncrossed,' which means that something has not been crossed and does not necessarily imply that crossing is impossible.
Easily confused with uncrossable
Crossable means able to be crossed, whereas uncrossable means unable to be crossed.