insurmountable

adjective

in·​sur·​mount·​able ˌin(t)-sər-ˈmau̇n-tə-bəl How to pronounce insurmountable (audio)
: incapable of being surmounted : insuperable
insurmountable problems
insurmountably adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These initial start-up challenges are not insurmountable, though. Frederik Gregaard, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 In May, such an early deficit was often insurmountable for the Red Sox. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 21 June 2025 But by then, the Twins were in a hole that would prove to be insurmountable. Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 21 June 2025 But researchers in England and France found that the tree-planting process, known as afforestation, faces insurmountable land use and financial challenges. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for insurmountable

Word History

First Known Use

1690, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insurmountable was in 1690

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Cite this Entry

“Insurmountable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insurmountable. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

insurmountable

adjective
in·​sur·​mount·​able ˌin(t)-sər-ˈmau̇nt-ə-bəl How to pronounce insurmountable (audio)
: incapable of being surmounted

More from Merriam-Webster on insurmountable

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