insurmountable

adjective

in·​sur·​mount·​able ˌin(t)-sər-ˈmau̇n-tə-bəl How to pronounce insurmountable (audio)
Synonyms of insurmountable
: 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 were insurmountable issues with less than six months to get the special on screen, even if post-production would have been shortened by the absence of an international partner. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 June 2026 Hopefully not insurmountable ones, and the biggest needs to be making Marathon a success. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 This quiet movie still packs a mighty punch—a timeless lesson in the power of empathy and nobility to melt seemingly insurmountable differences. Time, 10 June 2026 The 12-1 deficit was insurmountable but not the 8-1 score heading into Monday’s continuation. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026 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 15 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

insurmountable

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

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