Definition

Someone or something that is difficult to approach or engage with, often due to being unfriendly or distant.

Example

Despite her impressive qualifications, she seemed inapproachable during the interview.

Conversation

Have you noticed how some people can seem really inapproachable?

Yeah, it's like they have a wall up or something.

I wonder if it's just their personality or if they're having a bad day.

Could be both, but it makes it hard to start a conversation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inapproachable → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "approach" (from Old French *aprochier*, meaning to come near) and the suffix "-able" (meaning capable of). The word describes something that is not capable of being approached or reached.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not' ('in-') able to be 'come near' ('approach') — that's why inapproachable means it cannot be reached.

Visually Confused Words