insurmountable

[in-ser-moun-tuh-buhl] / ˌɪn sərˈmaʊn tə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

impossible

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hopeless impassable impregnable invincible overwhelming unbeatable

WEAK

forget it inaccessible indomitable ineluctable insuperable no-win not a prayer unconquerable unmasterable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

beatable

WEAK

attainable defeatable possible surmountable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These requirements are more than rigorous; they are nearly insurmountable.

From Slate • May 29, 2026

If detectives were ever to think their investigation had encountered insurmountable problems they would have a duty to stop, but they have clearly not reached that stage.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

While plutonium-based devices require a higher degree of design sophistication, it’s naive to assume those technical hurdles are insurmountable.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

There are still powerful ways to tell stories, even amid mergers and changes that seem insurmountable.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

The distance between us and all of that living feels insurmountable.

From "We Are Okay" by Nina LaCour

Vocabulary lists containing insurmountable

Power Suffix: -able

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