unclimbable
Too sheer, impossible
Unclimbable describes something that cannot be climbed—a wall too smooth, a mountain too sheer, a fence too high.
The word often carries a hint of challenge or impossibility: The north face was considered unclimbable until 1953.
Sometimes used figuratively for obstacles that seem insurmountable: an unclimbable career ladder.
Extremely steep, almost vertical
- verticalAt right angles groundward
- sheerAbsolute; also diaphanous
- cliffVertical rock wall
- escarpmentSteep slope dividing elevations
overhang · ledge · crag · bluff · face · rockface · incline · gradient
Incapable of occurring
- unconquerableImpossible to defeat
- impregnableImpossible to capture
- insuperableImpossible to overcome
- unattainableImpossible to acquire
unachievable · inaccessible · unscalable · impassable · invincible · hopeless · overwhelming · indomitable
Vertical enclosing structure
- cliffVertical rock wall
- precipiceSteep rock face
- fortressHeavily defended military structure
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
rampart · bulwark · palisade · parapet · obstacle · impediment · blockade · barricade
Inspiring fear or unease
- dauntingDiscouraging through difficulty
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- ominousSuggesting something bad approaches
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
inhospitable · unwelcoming · unapproachable · hostile · grim · bleak · treacherous · perilous
precipitous
Extremely steep, almost vertical
escarpment · overhang · ledge · crag · bluff · face · rockface · incline · gradient · pitch
impossible
Incapable of occurring
- unconquerableImpossible to defeat
- impregnableImpossible to capture
- insuperableImpossible to overcome
unattainable · unachievable · inaccessible · unscalable · impassable · invincible · hopeless · overwhelming · indomitable · unassailable
wall
Vertical enclosing structure
fortification · rampart · bulwark · palisade · parapet · obstacle · impediment · blockade · barricade · fence
intimidating
Inspiring fear or unease
- dauntingDiscouraging through difficulty
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- ominousSuggesting something bad approaches
threatening · inhospitable · unwelcoming · unapproachable · hostile · grim · bleak · treacherous · perilous · deadly
arduous
Demanding strenuous effort
- gruelingExtremely tiring and demanding
- strenuousRequiring intense exertion
- demandingRequiring great effort
punishing · exhausting · extreme · technical · exposed · dangerous · risky · harrowing · death-defying
unclimbableclimbable
Able to be ascended
scalable · ascendable · passable · surmountable · traversable
unclimbableeasy
Requiring minimal effort
gentle · walkable · beginner-friendly · straightforward · effortless
climb, climbing, climber, climbed, unclimbed, climbable, reclimbing, reclimbed