Ungrippable

Ungrippable describes something that cannot be held, grasped, or seized firmly, either due to its physical properties or its metaphorical nature. It implies an inability to maintain a secure hold or exert control. This might be because of a slippery texture, a lack of purchase points, or an insubstantial form. In a figurative sense, 'ungrippable' can relate to abstract concepts that are hard to define, understand, or control, such as emotions, secrets, or fleeting moments. The term highlights a frustrating lack of stability or the elusiveness of something desired.

Ungrippable meaning with examples

• The wet bar of soap was completely ungrippable, slipping from my hands no matter how hard I squeezed. It felt like trying to grasp a shadow, and the frustrating sensation of it constantly escaping my grasp made it even more infuriating. I eventually gave up and used a washcloth to regain control. The soap was just too slick.
• Trying to catch the greased pig at the county fair was a comical display of ungrippable attempts. Every time someone lunged for it, the pig squirmed free, its oily skin proving impossible to hold. Laughter erupted with each failed effort. The muddy field only added to the challenge, with each competitor slipping and sliding as they fought.
• Her grief, raw and overwhelming, felt like an ungrippable force, pulling her under. It was a wave that crashed over her, impossible to steady herself against. She yearned for a way to grasp onto something, anything, to find solid ground in the chaos of her emotions, yet every attempt failed. The pain was just too intense.
• The wind, a capricious force of nature, made the kite string ungrippable. It whipped violently against my hands, and I had to let go after a particularly strong gust. The wind toyed with the kite, at any moment the kite could be ungrippable by the power of the wind. I was losing the battle.