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Insurmountably: meaning, definitions and examples

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insurmountably

 

[ ɪnˌsərˈmaʊntəblɪ ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

difficulty level

The term 'insurmountably' refers to a situation or obstacle that is impossible to overcome or surpass. It suggests a level of difficulty that is beyond any reasonable effort to address or manage, often leading to a sense of defeat or helplessness.

Synonyms

impossible, overwhelmingly, unobtainably.

Examples of usage

  • The challenges we faced were insurmountably complicated.
  • He felt that the problems in his life were insurmountably overwhelming.
  • They encountered insurmountably high costs that prevented their project from moving forward.
  • Her illness seemed insurmountably burdensome to her family.
  • The team found the task insurmountably difficult without proper resources.

Etymology

The word 'insurmountably' is derived from the verb 'insurmount,' which means to overcome or conquer. The prefix 'in-' suggests a negation, implying the lack of ability to overcome obstacles, while 'surmount' comes from the Latin 'surmontare,' which is formed from 'sursum' meaning 'up' and 'montare' meaning 'to mount.' As such, 'insurmountably' captures the essence of something that cannot be climbed over or surpassed. The usage of this adverb began to rise in English literature in the early 19th century, often in contexts relating to personal struggles and societal challenges, highlighting the emotional weight of seemingly impossible situations.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,489, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.