insuperable

[ in-soo-per-uh-buhl ]

adjective

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

   an insuperable barrier.

insuperable

/ -prəbəl; -ˈsjuː-; ɪnˈsuːpərəbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being overcome; insurmountable

Derived Forms

• inˈsuperably, adverb
• inˌsuperaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• in·super·a·bili·ty in·super·a·ble·ness noun
• in·super·a·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of insuperable¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English word from Latin word insuperābilis. See in- ³, superable

Example Sentences

That the songs don’t match the story structurally is probably an insuperable problem.

From New York Times

Two women who are attached to their cultural roots yet alienated by the conservative values of their communities hold for each other the answer to problems that until now have seemed insuperable.

From Los Angeles Times

Zelensky’s visit is a reminder that democracy is worth fighting for and that bravery in the face of what seemed to be insuperable odds can achieve what was once regarded as impossible.

From Washington Post

“And your previous dreams, were they real too? Is Thornfield Hall a ruin? Am I severed from you by insuperable obstacles? Am I leaving you without a tear—without a kiss—without a word?”

From Literature

That assured at least a halving of the match with Viktor Hovland — the halving did come — and pushed the United States to an insuperable 14½ points.

From Washington Post