insurmountable

[ in-ser-moun-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. incapable of being surmounted, passed over, or overcome; insuperable:

   an insurmountable obstacle.

insurmountable

/ ˌɪnsəˈmaʊntəbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being overcome; insuperable

Derived Forms

• ˌinsurˈmountably, adverb
• ˌinsurˌmountaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• insur·mounta·bili·ty insur·mounta·ble·ness noun
• insur·mounta·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of insurmountable¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; in- ³ + surmountable ( def )

Example Sentences

“None of these individually is insurmountable, but we need new ways to tackle these issues,” Wehmeier said.

From New York Times

For African Americans, “rooting for everybody Black” comes from the reality that Black people must overcome sometimes insurmountable odds to obtain justice or success.

From Salon

Collectively, the Latino shift towards Trump, his hold on white working-class voters and his increased support among non-college educated voters in general created an insurmountable obstacle for the Harris campaign.

From BBC

But what about the feeling that our problems are vast and insurmountable?

From Los Angeles Times

Although United have spoken about the financial impact of paying compensation to Ten Hag and an incoming coach, others with a knowledge of United’s finances have suggested this will not be an insurmountable issue.

From BBC

Related Words

• hopeless
• impassable
• impregnable
• invincible
• overwhelming
• unbeatable