ENGLISH
REFERENCE

insoluble

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnˈsɑɫjəbəɫ// UK //ɪnsˈɒljuːbəl// in·sol·u·ble

adj. describing a problem or situation that cannot be fixed or explained. It also describes a substance that cannot be dissolved in a liquid.

adj. incapable of being solved, explained, or dissolved in a particular solvent. Often used to describe complex or persistent problems that defy resolution.


SIMPLE

The two companies have an insoluble problem.

CONTEXTUAL

The scientist discovered that the new polymer was insoluble in water, making it difficult to clean up.

COMPLEX

The conflict between the two nations reached an insoluble point, as neither side was willing to compromise on its core territorial claims.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English insolible, from Middle French insoluble, from Latin insolūbilis, from in- + solūbilis. Piecewise doublet of insolvable and unsolvable. By surface analysis, in- + soluble.

© 2026 English Reference