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Insurmountable: meaning, definitions and examples

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insurmountable

 

[ɪnˌsɜːˈmaʊntəbl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

challenge

Incapable of being overcome or surmounted; insuperable. Something that is insurmountable cannot be conquered or passed over.

Synonyms

impassable, invincible, unconquerable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insurmountable

Used to describe challenges or obstacles that cannot be overcome. Often used in a dramatic or serious context to emphasize the difficulty of a situation.

  • The team faced an insurmountable challenge when they lost their key player.
  • Climbing the mountain seemed an insurmountable task for the inexperienced hikers.
unconquerable

Used to describe something that cannot be defeated or subdued. Often used to emphasize resilience or indomitable spirit.

  • The nation's spirit was unconquerable, even in the face of invasion.
  • Her determination was unconquerable, despite the numerous setbacks.
invincible

Refers to someone or something that cannot be defeated or overcome, often used to highlight strength or superiority. It has a positive connotation.

  • The superhero was portrayed as invincible, always saving the day.
  • With their new strategy, the team felt invincible.
impassable

Describes physical barriers that cannot be crossed or passed. It is usually used in the context of roads or paths blocked by natural or man-made obstacles.

  • The heavy snowfall made the mountain roads impassable.
  • The floodwaters had risen so high that the bridge became impassable.

Examples of usage

  • The task of climbing Mount Everest seemed insurmountable to many.
  • The financial obstacles they faced appeared insurmountable.
  • Despite their best efforts, the team found the language barrier to be insurmountable.
Context #2 | Adjective

problem

Too great to be dealt with; overwhelming. Something that is insurmountable cannot be solved or dealt with effectively.

Synonyms

overwhelming, unbeatable, unmanageable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insurmountable

This word is used for challenges or obstacles that seem impossible to overcome.

  • The debt seemed insurmountable, making it hard for the company to recover
overwhelming

This word is used when something is so great in number, size, or effect that it feels too difficult to manage.

  • The number of tasks to complete before the deadline was overwhelming
unmanageable

This word is used for situations or things that are difficult to control or deal with, often in everyday scenarios.

  • The large class was unmanageable with only one teacher
unbeatable

Use this word when referring to something that cannot be defeated or surpassed, often in the context of competition.

  • Their team was unbeatable this season, winning every game

Examples of usage

  • The company was forced to close down due to insurmountable debt.
  • The complexity of the situation made it seem insurmountable to the inexperienced manager.
  • The challenges of starting a new business can sometimes feel insurmountable.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'insurmountabilis', combining the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'surmount' (to overcome).
  • It has been used in English since the late 16th century, originally referring to obstacles that cannot be overcome.

Psychology

  • Feelings of facing insurmountable obstacles are often linked to anxiety and can lead to a sense of helplessness.
  • Psychologists suggest breaking such challenges into smaller tasks can help make them feel more manageable.

Literature

  • The concept of insurmountability is a common theme in literature, often depicted in hero’s journeys where protagonists face seemingly unbeatable foes or challenges.
  • In many classic novels, characters often grow by facing and eventually overcoming situations deemed insurmountable, showing resilience.

Pop Culture

  • Films often portray insurmountable challenges as plot devices that force characters to grow or find unexpected solutions.
  • Video games frequently feature levels or bosses described as insurmountable, challenging players to strategize their way to victory.

Science

  • In science, 'insurmountable barriers' can refer to challenges in environmental issues or technological advancements that seem impossible to solve.
  • Researchers strive to find solutions to what are perceived as insurmountable challenges, such as curing diseases or combating climate change.

Translations

Translations of the word "insurmountable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 insuperável

🇮🇳 अपरिहार्य

🇩🇪 unüberwindbar

🇮🇩 tak teratasi

🇺🇦 нездоланний

🇵🇱 nie do pokonania

🇯🇵 克服できない

🇫🇷 insurmontable

🇪🇸 insuperable

🇹🇷 aşılmaz

🇰🇷 극복할 수 없는

🇸🇦 لا يذلل

🇨🇿 nepřekonatelný

🇸🇰 neprekonateľný

🇨🇳 不可逾越的

🇸🇮 nepremagljiv

🇮🇸 óyfirstíganlegur

🇰🇿 жеңілмейтін

🇬🇪 დაუძლეველი

🇦🇿 aşılmaz

🇲🇽 insuperable

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,998, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.