Benjamin F. Wade

We certainly cannot have any further political connection with the Whigs of the South; they have rendered such connection impossible. An impassable gulf separates us, and must here-after separate us.

American Politician

Peter Bergen

Western Mosul is the historic heart of one of the oldest cities in the world. Its narrow streets and alleyways are impassable for armored vehicles.

American Journalist

Marianne Moore

If you will tell me why the fen appears impassable, I then will tell you why I think that I can cross it if I try.

American Poet

Henry J. Heinz

Mountains and oceans do not furnish any impassable barrier to the extension of trade.

American Businessman

Used to describe physical obstacles that prevent movement, like a road blocked by a landslide.

Literal Use

Can also describe a situation that's extremely difficult or impossible to overcome.

Figurative Speech

The situation described as 'impassable' is usually temporary, like a flooded road, not permanent.

Often Temporary

 The Soviet satellite countries restricted Western trade and movement, so a virtually impassable border formed. It became known as the Iron Curtain. In the former German capital of Berlin, things were particularly complicated.

The rise and fall of the...

 landscape sometimes impassable and landslides were a constant threat

Impassable