ENGLISH
REFERENCE

insurmountable

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnsɝˈmaʊntəbəɫ// UK //ɪnsəmˈaʊntəbəl// in·sur·mount·able

adj. too large or difficult to deal with. You use this to describe a problem or obstacle that you cannot overcome.

adj. too great to be overcome or surmounted. Often used to describe abstract barriers, challenges, or logistical difficulties.


SIMPLE

The team faced insurmountable problems during the first week.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite their best efforts, the debt became insurmountable and the small business was forced to close.

COMPLEX

The cultural and linguistic barriers proved insurmountable for the new administration, leading to a total breakdown in diplomatic relations between the two neighboring states.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From in- + surmountable.

Usage

Typically used to modify nouns like 'obstacles', 'difficulties', 'problems', or 'odds'.

© 2026 English Reference