Top 48 Slang For Steep – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to describing something as steep, finding the right words can be a challenge. Fear not, as we’ve got you covered with a curated list of trendy slang that perfectly captures the essence of this word. From the latest buzzwords to classic favorites, our team has put together a collection that will have you speaking like a pro in no time. So buckle up and get ready to elevate your vocabulary with our top picks for slang for steep!

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1. Vertical

Vertical is a term used to describe something that is oriented in an up-and-down direction, typically at a steep angle. It can be used to refer to a steep slope or incline.

For example, a hiker might say, “That trail is so vertical, it’s like climbing a ladder.”
A skier might comment, “The mountain has some seriously vertical terrain for advanced skiers.”
In a conversation about rock climbing, someone might mention, “That cliff face is almost entirely vertical, making it a challenging climb.”

2. Sheer

Sheer is an adjective used to describe something that is almost vertical or steep. It implies a steepness that is nearly perpendicular to the ground.

For instance, a climber might say, “That sheer cliff face requires advanced skills and equipment.”
A hiker might warn, “Be careful on that trail, it has some sheer sections that can be slippery.”
In a discussion about architecture, someone might point out, “The sheer walls of that building give it a modern and sleek look.”

3. Sharp

Sharp is a term used to describe something that is steep or has a sudden change in elevation. It can be used to refer to a steep slope, incline, or drop-off.

For example, a cyclist might say, “That hill has a sharp incline, it’s a tough climb.”
A hiker might comment, “The trail has a sharp descent, so be cautious on the way down.”
In a conversation about skiing, someone might mention, “The mountain has some sharp drops that are perfect for adrenaline junkies.”

4. Precipitous

Precipitous is an adjective used to describe something that is dangerously steep or abrupt. It implies a steepness that can be challenging or risky to navigate.

For instance, a mountaineer might say, “That peak has a precipitous drop-off, only experienced climbers should attempt it.”
A hiker might warn, “The trail becomes precipitous near the summit, use caution and proper gear.”
In a discussion about landscape photography, someone might mention, “The precipitous cliffs along the coast make for stunning and dramatic images.”

5. Perpendicular

Perpendicular is a term used to describe something that is at a right angle to the ground or another surface. It can be used to refer to a steep slope or incline that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

For example, a geologist might say, “The fault line created a perpendicular cliff face.”
A skier might comment, “That run has a perpendicular drop-off, it’s exhilarating to ski down.”
In a conversation about architecture, someone might point out, “The building’s design incorporates perpendicular angles, giving it a unique and modern look.”

6. Plumb

When something is “plumb,” it means it is perfectly vertical or straight up and down. In the context of steepness, “plumb” is slang for a very steep incline or slope.

For example, a hiker might say, “That trail is plumb steep, be careful.”
A skier might describe a challenging slope as “plumb crazy steep.”
When someone sees a steep hill, they might exclaim, “That’s plumb vertical!”

7. Inclined

When something is “inclined,” it means it is slanted or on an angle. In the context of steepness, “inclined” is slang for a moderately steep incline or slope.

For instance, a cyclist might say, “I love going down inclined roads, it’s so exhilarating.”
A hiker might describe a trail as “slightly inclined,“slightly inclined, but nothing too difficult.”
When someone sees a hill that’s not too steep, they might say, “It’s inclined, but I can handle it.”

8. Abrupt

When something is “abrupt,” it means it is sudden or sharp. In the context of steepness, “abrupt” is slang for a steep incline or slope that changes quickly or sharply.

For example, a rock climber might say, “That cliff has an abrupt drop, it’s not for the faint of heart.”
A driver might describe a road as “having abrupt hills that require careful navigation.”
When someone sees a steep hill that appears suddenly, they might say, “That’s an abrupt incline!”

9. Crisp

When something is “crisp,” it means it is sharp, clean, or clear. In the context of steepness, “crisp” is slang for a steep incline or slope that is well-defined and distinct.

For instance, a skier might say, “That black diamond run has crisp turns and steep drops.”
A hiker might describe a trail as “crisp and challenging,“crisp and challenging, with breathtaking views.”
When someone sees a steep hill with a clear path, they might say, “That’s a crisp incline, let’s tackle it!”

10. Severe

When something is “severe,” it means it is harsh, intense, or extreme. In the context of steepness, “severe” is slang for a very steep incline or slope that is difficult or challenging.

For example, a mountain climber might say, “That peak has severe slopes that require advanced skills.”
A cyclist might describe a hill as “severe,“severe, with a punishing gradient.”
When someone sees a steep hill that looks daunting, they might say, “That’s a severe incline, I’m not sure I can handle it!”

11. Steeped

This term is used to describe something that is deeply or heavily involved in a particular situation or subject. It can also refer to something that has been soaked or infused in a liquid for a prolonged period of time.

For example, “She is steeped in the world of fashion, with extensive knowledge and experience.”
In a discussion about a historical event, one might say, “The city is steeped in rich cultural heritage.”
A tea enthusiast might comment, “I love the flavor of a perfectly steeped cup of green tea.”

12. Pitched

This term refers to an area that has a steep incline or slope. It can also be used to describe the act of throwing or tossing something with force.

For instance, “The pitched roof of the house allows for better water drainage.”
In a hiking conversation, one might say, “The trail becomes more challenging as it gets steeper and more pitched.”
A baseball fan might comment, “He pitched the ball with incredible speed and accuracy.”

13. Craggy

This term describes a steep and rough surface or terrain, often characterized by sharp or jagged edges. It can also be used to describe a person’s appearance, indicating a weathered or roughened look.

For example, “The craggy cliffs along the coastline create a stunning landscape.”
In a discussion about a mountain range, one might say, “The craggy peaks make it a popular destination for experienced climbers.”
A hiker might comment, “Be careful on the craggy trail, as it can be slippery and treacherous.”

14. Hilly

This term refers to an area that has many small hills or slopes. It can also be used to describe the act of moving up and down hills.

For instance, “The hilly countryside offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.”
In a conversation about running, one might say, “I prefer running on hilly terrain for a more challenging workout.”
A cyclist might comment, “The hilly route provides a great opportunity to improve endurance and strength.”

15. Mounting

This term is used to describe the act of climbing or going up a steep slope or incline. It can also refer to the increasing or growing intensity of a situation or feeling.

For example, “He felt a mounting sense of excitement as he reached the summit.”
In a discussion about hiking, one might say, “The mounting trail becomes steeper and more challenging as you progress.”
A skier might comment, “The mounting anticipation before going down a steep slope is both thrilling and nerve-wracking.”

16. Jagged

This term describes something that is rough, uneven, or with sharp edges. When used to describe something steep, it refers to a slope or incline that is characterized by irregular and sharp angles.

For example, “The trail up the mountain was jagged and treacherous.”
A hiker might say, “Be careful on that section of the trail, it’s really jagged.”
In a conversation about rock climbing, someone might mention, “The cliff face was jagged and challenging to navigate.”

17. Pinnacle

This word refers to the highest point or peak of something, often used to describe a mountain or hill. When used to describe something steep, it signifies the highest and most challenging part of the slope.

For instance, “Reaching the pinnacle of the mountain was a moment of triumph.”
A hiker might say, “The trail to the pinnacle was steep and required a lot of effort.”
In a discussion about skiing, someone might mention, “The black diamond run leads to the pinnacle of the resort.”

18. Sharp-angled

This term describes something that has angles that are steep and distinct. When used to describe something steep, it indicates a slope or incline that is characterized by sharp and pronounced angles.

For example, “The sharp-angled roof made the house look sleek and modern.”
A hiker might say, “The path to the summit was filled with sharp-angled rocks.”
In a conversation about architecture, someone might mention, “The building’s design features sharp-angled lines that create a sense of height and drama.”

19. Raked

This word describes something that is inclined or sloping at a steep angle. When used to describe something steep, it signifies a slope or incline that is inclined at a sharp angle.

For instance, “The driveway was raked, making it difficult to walk up.”
A hiker might say, “The trail was raked, making the ascent more challenging.”
In a discussion about landscaping, someone might mention, “The backyard has a raked slope that adds visual interest to the garden.”

20. Steepled

This term describes something that is pointed or spire-like in shape. When used to describe something steep, it signifies a slope or incline that is characterized by a pointed or spire-like shape.

For example, “The steepled hill was a popular spot for paragliding.”
A hiker might say, “The trail led to a steepled peak with breathtaking views.”
In a conversation about architecture, someone might mention, “The church has a steepled roof that adds elegance to the building.”

21. Sudden

This term refers to a slope or incline that is very steep, almost vertical. It implies a sudden and drastic change in elevation.

For example, a hiker might say, “That trail is sudden, be prepared for a tough climb.”
A skier might comment, “The black diamond run is sudden, it’s not for the faint of heart.”
In a conversation about challenging mountain biking trails, someone might mention, “The downhill section is sudden, it’s a real adrenaline rush.”

22. Slanted

This slang term describes a slope or incline that is steep but not completely vertical. It suggests an incline that is slanted or tilted at a significant angle.

For instance, a climber might say, “The rock face is slanted, it requires careful footwork.”
A snowboarder might mention, “The terrain park has slanted ramps and jumps.”
In a discussion about challenging hiking trails, someone might say, “The trail is slanted, it can be slippery after rain.”

23. Verticalized

This term refers to a slope or incline that has been made steeper or more vertical. It implies that the slope has been modified or engineered to increase its difficulty.

For example, a skier might say, “The ski resort verticalized the slope to make it more challenging.”
A mountaineer might comment, “The climbing route was verticalized with fixed ropes.”
In a conversation about extreme sports, someone might mention, “The skate park recently verticalized their ramps for advanced riders.”

24. Tilted

This slang term describes a slope or incline that is steep and not level or flat. It suggests that the slope is at an angle rather than being straight or vertical.

For instance, a cyclist might say, “The road is tilted, it’s a tough climb.”
A hiker might mention, “The trail is tilted, it’s a good workout for the legs.”
In a discussion about challenging skiing conditions, someone might say, “The slope is tilted, it requires advanced skills to navigate.”

25. Cranked

This term refers to a slope or incline that has been made steeper or more difficult to climb. It implies that the slope has been cranked up in terms of its steepness.

For example, a rock climber might say, “The route was cranked, it was a real challenge.”
A snowboarder might comment, “The halfpipe has been cranked, it’s perfect for performing big tricks.”
In a conversation about intense hiking trails, someone might mention, “The path has been cranked up, it’s not for beginners.”

26. Angled

This term is used to describe something that is not level or straight, but rather has a tilt or incline. It can be used to describe a steep slope or incline.

For example, “The road up the mountain is angled, so be careful when driving.”
A hiker might say, “The trail gets more angled as you go higher.”
In a conversation about architecture, someone might mention, “The building has an angled roof that gives it a unique look.”

27. Tumbled

This term refers to something that has fallen or rolled down a slope or incline. It can be used to describe a steep descent or a rough fall.

For instance, “The hiker tumbled down the steep hill.”
A person might say, “I tripped and tumbled down the stairs.”
In a discussion about skiing, someone might mention, “I took a wrong turn and tumbled down the slope.”

28. Skewed

When something is skewed, it means it is not straight or aligned properly. It can be used to describe a slope or incline that is not level.

For example, “The picture on the wall is skewed.”
A person might say, “The table is skewed, so the items keep sliding off.”
In a conversation about construction, someone might mention, “The floor is skewed, so we need to fix it.”

29. Leaning

This term is used to describe something that is not straight or upright, but rather has a slight tilt or angle. It can be used to describe a steep slope or incline.

For instance, “The tower is leaning to one side.”
A person might say, “The tree is leaning because of the strong wind.”
In a discussion about architecture, someone might mention, “The building has a leaning facade that adds to its unique design.”

30. Sharp-cornered

This term refers to something that has sharp corners or edges, often indicating a steep incline or slope.

For example, “The cliff has sharp-cornered rocks at the bottom.”
A person might say, “Be careful when climbing the sharp-cornered stairs.”
In a conversation about topography, someone might mention, “The mountain range is known for its sharp-cornered peaks.”

31. Slanting

This term refers to something that is inclined or sloping, often at a steep angle. It can be used to describe a slope or a surface that is not level.

For example, “We had to climb up the slanting hill to reach the summit.”
A hiker might say, “The trail became more slanting as we ascended.”
Someone describing a roof might say, “The slanting roof allows rainwater to easily run off.”

32. Rugged

This term describes terrain that is rough, uneven, and difficult to traverse. It often implies a sense of toughness and resilience required to navigate such terrain.

For instance, “We had to hike through rugged mountains to reach the remote village.”
A trail runner might say, “I love the challenge of running on rugged trails.”
A climber might describe a cliff as “rugged” due to its jagged edges and lack of easy handholds.

33. Cliffy

This term describes an area or slope that is characterized by cliffs or steep drop-offs. It suggests a sense of danger and verticality.

For example, “We had to carefully navigate the cliffy terrain to reach the hidden beach.”
A photographer might say, “The cliffy coastline provided stunning views for my landscape shots.”
Someone describing a hiking trail might warn, “Be prepared for some cliffy sections along the way.”

34. Escarpment

This term refers to a long, steep slope or cliff that separates two areas of land at different elevations. It often implies a significant change in elevation and can be found in various geological formations.

For instance, “The Grand Canyon is a famous example of an escarpment.”
A geologist might say, “This region is known for its extensive escarpments.”
A hiker might describe a challenging trail as “following the escarpment for miles.”

35. Scarped

This term describes a surface or slope that is steep and has a sharp, vertical drop-off. It suggests a lack of footholds or easy access.

For example, “The scarped cliffs provided a dramatic backdrop for the coastal town.”
A rock climber might say, “I attempted to scale the sheer face of the scarped cliff.”
Someone describing a dangerous hiking trail might say, “The path became scarped as we approached the summit.”

36. Steepish

This term is used to describe something that is not extremely steep, but still has a noticeable incline.

For example, “The trail starts off steepish, but then levels out.”
A hiker might say, “The mountain had a steepish slope, but it was manageable.”
Someone describing a ski slope might say, “The black diamond run is steepish, but not as challenging as the double black diamond runs.”

37. Steepening

This term is used to describe the process of something becoming steeper or having a greater incline.

For instance, “The road ahead is steepening, so be prepared for a more challenging climb.”
A hiker might notice, “The trail is steepening as we get closer to the summit.”
A skier might comment, “The slope is steepening as we descend, making for an exhilarating run.”

38. Declivitous

This term is used to describe a steep or sloping surface that is inclined downward.

For example, “The mountain had a declivitous slope, requiring careful footing.”
A hiker might say, “The trail became declivitous as it descended into the valley.”
Someone describing a cliff might say, “The cliff face was declivitous, making it dangerous to climb.”

39. Slantwise

This term is used to describe something that is inclined or positioned at an angle, often in relation to a vertical or horizontal reference.

For instance, “The tree grew slantwise, leaning towards the sunlight.”
A hiker might navigate, “We had to walk slantwise across the steep slope to avoid slipping.”
A skier might comment, “I prefer to ski slantwise across the slope for better control.”

40. Canted

This term is used to describe something that is tilted or slanted, often at an angle.

For example, “The roof of the house was canted, giving it a unique architectural style.”
A hiker might notice, “The trail became canted as it followed the natural contours of the terrain.”
Someone describing a hill might say, “The hillside was canted, making it difficult to walk straight up.”

41. Sharp-edged

This term is used to describe a steep slope or terrain that is difficult to navigate due to its sharp edges or angles.

For example, a hiker might say, “The trail became sharp-edged as we ascended the mountain.”
A skier might describe a challenging slope as “sharp-edged” due to the steepness and the presence of rocks or obstacles.
A mountain biker might say, “I love the adrenaline rush of riding down a sharp-edged trail.”

42. Crisply

This term is used to describe a steep slope or incline that is clean, without any obstacles or hazards.

For instance, a climber might say, “The rock face was crisply, making it easier to climb.”
A snowboarder might describe a perfectly groomed slope as “crisply” due to its steepness and smooth surface.
A hiker might say, “The trail was crisply, allowing for a fast and exhilarating descent.”

43. Swooping

This term is used to describe a steep slope or descent that has a curved or sweeping shape.

For example, a paraglider might say, “I love the feeling of swooping down a steep hillside.”
A skier might describe a thrilling run down a steep and curving slope as “swooping.”
A cyclist might say, “The trail had a series of swooping descents that provided an exciting ride.”

44. Steep-sided

This term is used to describe a slope or terrain that has steep sides or edges.

For instance, a geologist might describe a canyon as “steep-sided” due to its vertical walls.
A hiker might say, “The trail became steep-sided as we approached the summit.”
A photographer might describe a mountain lake as “nestled within steep-sided valleys.”

45. Declining

This term is used to describe a steep descent or decline that is happening quickly or rapidly.

For example, a cyclist might say, “I reached top speed while descending the declining road.”
A skier might describe a steep and fast descent as “declining.”
A hiker might say, “The trail became more challenging as it started declining steeply.”

46. Plunging

This term is often used to describe a slope or incline that has a sudden and sharp drop. It implies a vertical or near-vertical descent.

For example, “The trail had a plunging section that required careful navigation.”
A hiker might say, “The mountain path became increasingly plunging as we ascended.”
In a conversation about ski slopes, someone might mention, “I love the adrenaline rush of skiing down a plunging slope.”

47. Sloping

This term refers to a gentle or gradual incline. It suggests a less steep or more gradual slope compared to other slang terms for steepness.

For instance, “The road had a sloping section that made for an easy ascent.”
A hiker might describe a trail as “sloping” when it gradually ascends or descends.
In a discussion about landscape features, someone might mention, “The sloping hills in that region offer stunning views.”

48. Scarp

A scarp is a steep slope or cliff, often formed by erosion or tectonic activity. It typically has a sharp or abrupt edge.

For example, “The scarp provided a dramatic backdrop to the landscape.”
A geologist might describe a scarp as “the result of geological forces shaping the land.”
In a conversation about hiking challenges, someone might mention, “Climbing up a scarp requires careful footing and attention to safety.”