precipitousness

Precipitousness refers to the characteristic of being extremely steep. It is most commonly used in a geographical context to describe slopes, cliffs, or mountains that drop away sharply. A precipitous landscape presents a significant challenge for travel and development due to its incline. In mountaineering, precipitous terrain is often described using technical terms to denote the angle and difficulty of ascent. Beyond geography, precipitousness can metaphorically describe a sudden, drastic, or overwhelming change or decline. For example, a precipitous drop in stock prices or a precipitous rise in temperature describes a rapid and significant shift. The term emphasizes the abruptness and extreme nature of the slope or change.