Definition

Adjective: Having very steep sides. Describes a slope, incline, or geographical feature that rises or falls at a sharp, near-vertical angle.

Usage

This adjective is typically used to describe natural or man-made features. It directly modifies a noun to specify the nature of its slopes. * It is a compound adjective formed from "steep" + "sided". It is usually hyphenated when placed before the noun it modifies. * It describes the physical geometry of an object or landform, emphasizing a pronounced and often dramatic incline.

Examples

• The climbers carefully navigated the steep-sided canyon.
• They built their fortress on a steep-sided hill for better defense.
• The valley was steep-sided and covered in dense forest.
• Erosion over millennia created these steep-sided gullies.

Advanced Usage

• Comparative and Superlative Forms: While grammatically possible ("more steep-sided," "most steep-sided"), these forms are less common. Description often relies on additional adverbs (e.g., "incredibly steep-sided").
• Predicative Use: It can be used after a linking verb like "be" or "become."
  • The crater walls are exceptionally steep-sided.
• Technical/Geological Context: Frequently used in geology, geography, and engineering to describe features like cirques, volcanic plugs, or engineered cuttings.

Variants and Related Words

• Steep (adj.): Having a sharp slope. The root word, which is more general.
• Sheer (adj.): (Of a cliff or wall) perpendicular or very steep. Often implies a more vertical drop.
• Precipitous (adj.): Extremely steep. Can also imply a sense of suddenness or danger.
• Craggy (adj.): Having rough, steep, rocky projections. Focuses on texture as well as slope.

Synonyms

• Sheer
• Precipitous
• Abrupt
• Cliff-like
• Vertical-faced

Antonyms

• Gentle
• Gradual
• Sloping
• Shallow
• Inclined

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Steep slope/incline: A common phrase describing a sharp angle of ascent or descent. "Steep-sided" is a more specific variant emphasizing the nature of the sides of a feature.
• Sheer face/drop: Emphasizes a vertical or near-vertical surface.

Adjective

1. having very steep sides