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

Other Word Forms

• insurmountably adverb
• insurmountability noun
• insurmountableness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of insurmountable¹

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

Example Sentences

The summer is the toughest for her, she said, because every vacation comes with the insurmountable task of finding accommodations for Mini.

From Los Angeles Times

To face the often scary and seemingly insurmountable challenge of making it through our scarred landscape, we must do the little things.

From Los Angeles Times

But researchers in England and France found that the tree-planting process, known as afforestation, faces insurmountable land use and financial challenges.

From Los Angeles Times

Several Sparks starters — including Hamby, Jackson and Stevens — remained in the game late into the fourth, but the deficit had long grown insurmountable, with the team trailing by as many as 30 points.

From Los Angeles Times

However, safety and security have proved insurmountable for some when, for example, gangs demand protection fees from teachers.

From BBC

Related Words

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