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.

Macron has repeatedly said that Europe must not let the United States and China take an insurmountable lead in AI.

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

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

From Slate • May 29, 2026

Now he’s watched the Lakers’ seemingly insurmountable three-games-to-none series lead dwindle to 3-2 after a 99-93 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

For a single parent without childcare, or a worker living paycheck to paycheck, that isn’t a manageable tradeoff—it’s an insurmountable one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 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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The Awakening

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