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

For many, those costs are insurmountable. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026

Not drinking entirely can seem insurmountable, so taking small steps to drink less by shifting behaviors like having fewer drinks or swapping in some mocktails is helpful. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 8 Jan. 2026

This mismanagement has made the costs of transitioning away from oil seem insurmountable. —Tom Philp, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026

Global investors had largely fled, seeing that the country’s 3D problems — deflation, debt and demographics — were structural and insurmountable. —Shuli Ren, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 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