unfordable

The river was unfordable after the heavy rains.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not able to be crossed by wading: "unfordable" describes a body of water, such as a river or stream, that is too deep, too swift, or otherwise impassable for a person or animal to walk through on foot.

Usage Examples

• (The river could not be crossed by wading because of high water levels.)
• (They could not cross the rivers by foot due to depth or current.)

Advanced Usage

• "unfordable obstacle": a barrier in the form of a waterway that cannot be crossed by wading.
  • The unfordable obstacle slowed the expedition's progress. (The river that could not be waded hindered their movement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fordable (adj): capable of being crossed by wading.
  • The shallow creek was easily fordable. (It could be crossed on foot.)
• Ford (n): a shallow part of a river or stream that can be crossed by wading.
  • They found a ford to cross the river. (A shallow area suitable for wading.)

Synonyms

• Impassable: not able to be traveled through or crossed.
• Uncrossable: unable to be crossed (used more broadly for any obstacle).

Antonyms

• Fordable: able to be crossed by wading.
• Crossable: able to be crossed (in general).

Related Idioms