Insurmountable: meaning, definitions and examples
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insurmountable
[ ɪnˌsɜːˈmaʊntəbl ]
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?
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.
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unconquerable |
Used to describe something that cannot be defeated or subdued. Often used to emphasize resilience or indomitable spirit.
|
invincible |
Refers to someone or something that cannot be defeated or overcome, often used to highlight strength or superiority. It has a positive connotation.
|
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.
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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.
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
insurmountable |
This word is used for challenges or obstacles that seem impossible to overcome.
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overwhelming |
This word is used when something is so great in number, size, or effect that it feels too difficult to manage.
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unmanageable |
This word is used for situations or things that are difficult to control or deal with, often in everyday scenarios.
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unbeatable |
Use this word when referring to something that cannot be defeated or surpassed, often in the context of competition.
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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.
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
Etymology
The word 'insurmountable' originated from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of', and the word 'surmount' meaning 'to overcome'. The term first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, used to describe obstacles or challenges that were deemed impossible to overcome. Over time, 'insurmountable' has maintained its meaning of something that cannot be conquered or surpassed.
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.
- ...
- 15995 whorl
- 15996 stator
- 15997 energetically
- 15998 insurmountable
- 15999 slime
- 16000 cerebellar
- 16001 tougher
- ...