The term 'unable to escape, in a way' can be summarized by two five-letter crossword solutions: 'MATED' and 'treed'. The term 'MATED' is used to describe a situation in which two people or animals are joined together in a close relationship, such as marriage or a partnership. The term 'treed' is used to describe a situation in which someone or something is trapped or confined in a particular place, such as a tree. Both terms can be used to describe a situation in which someone or something is unable to escape.