unapproachable

[ uhn-uh-proh-chuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not capable of being approached; remote; unreachable:

   an unapproachable spot; an unapproachable person.

   Synonyms: cold, austere, distant, aloof, inaccessible

2. impossible to equal or rival:

   unapproachable mastery of her art.

unapproachable

/ ˌʌnəˈprəʊtʃəbəl /

adjective

1. discouraging intimacy, friendliness, etc; aloof
2. inaccessible
3. not to be rivalled

Derived Forms

• ˌunapˈproachableness, noun
• ˌunapˈproachably, adverb

Other Words From

• unap·proacha·bili·ty unap·proacha·ble·ness noun
• unap·proacha·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unapproachable¹

First recorded in 1575–85; un- ¹ + approachable

Example Sentences

His reticent demeanor, coupled with his enormous stature in the game, gave many people the impression that he was unapproachable.

From Los Angeles Times

“Some of the biggest and most sought-after events in the world are unapproachable and inaccessible to the majority of people,” says Cosm CEO Terry.

From Los Angeles Times

"Our continued collaboration with the So lab and their expertise with microscope development has enabled in vivo studies that are unapproachable using conventional, out-of-the-box two photon microscopes," she added.

From Science Daily

She was as unapproachable as a porcelain god.

From Literature

At the same time, though, beyond the ubiquitous miso soup at many a sushi restaurant, the staple remains decidedly unapproachable for many home cooks.

From Salon