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unscalable

unscalable

1 7.5
Too steep to climb, for example a high wall or cliff
  • adjective
  • /ʌnˈskeɪbəl/
translation icon : inaccesible
  • If, on the contrary, you imagine that you cannot do the simplest thing in the world, it is impossible for you to do it, and molehills become for you unscalable mountains.
  • unscalable wall

Examples

  • The mountain's cliffs are completely unscalable, making it impossible for climbers to reach the summit.

  • Due to its height and steepness, the tower appeared unscalable to even the most experienced rock climbers.

  • The fortress was built with walls that were unscalable, ensuring the protection of its inhabitants.

Synonyms

unclimbable
vsunscalable
1 4.7

Not possible to go up because it is too steep or dangerous

uses broader phrasing covering ascending or being scaled

Antonyms

scalable
  • Specialized
11 4.8

Can grow to handle more users, like a program or business

How Climbable

easy
1.0
climbable
2.0
scalable
  • Specialized
11 4.8
unscalable
1 7.5

Surface Forms

unscalable positive

Morphology

unscalable = scalable (transparent) = un + scale + able

Formed by adding the negative prefix 'un-' to 'scalable' (itself scale + -able); the negation of the adjective is straightforward for learners.

Etymology

Unscalable comes from the prefix un- meaning 'not' and the word scale which can mean 'to climb' or a 'ladder', so it literally means 'not able to be climbed'.