insurmountable

adjective

in·​sur·​mount·​able ˌin(t)-sər-ˈmau̇n-tə-bəl 

: incapable of being surmounted : insuperable

insurmountable problems

insurmountably

ˌin(t)-sər-ˈmau̇n-tə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of insurmountable

• insuperable
• unconquerable
• invincible
• unstoppable
• indomitable
• unbeatable
• invulnerable
• impregnable
• bulletproof
• undefeated
• armored

Examples of insurmountable in a Sentence

They were faced with several insurmountable obstacles.

the familiar story of the underdog who ultimately triumphs despite insurmountable odds

Recent Examples on the Web

Obviously an insurmountable tragedy for the dad in this case. — Charmaine Patterson, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

But Hong’s lead looks all but insurmountable, according to the Marquette poll and internal polling released this week by Crowley’s campaign that showed Hong leading by 20 percentage points. — Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Should the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the San Diego Padres later Wednesday evening, their once insurmountable 14-game lead over second place will drop to eight games. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Ferrand-Prevot won last year with a decisive climb on the Col de la Madeleine, creating an insurmountable gap to her rivals. — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insurmountable

• accountable
• demountable
• uncountable
• countable
• unaccountable

Kids Definition

insurmountable

adjective

in·​sur·​mount·​able ˌin(t)-sər-ˈmau̇nt-ə-bəl 

: incapable of being surmounted