Meaning & Definition of word "Insurmountable"
to
Insurmountable
/ˌɪn.sərˈmaʊn.tə.bəl/
adjective:
- 1. Impossible to overcome or surpass.
- Example: The team faced insurmountable odds in their quest to win the championship.
- 2. Too great to be overcome or dealt with.
- Example: She found the task of raising funds for her project to be insurmountable without help.
- 3. Not able to be overcome or conquered.
- Example: The mountain posed an insurmountable barrier to their expedition.
- 4. Exceeding what is manageable or feasible.
- Example: After years of research, he felt that the challenges were insurmountable.
Etymology
From Latin insurmountabilis, from in- 'not' + surmountable.
Common Phrases and Expressions
climb an insurmountable mountain:
to face an overwhelming challenge with little hope of success.
insurmountable odds:
challenges or conditions that are extremely difficult or impossible to overcome.
Related Words
overcome:
to succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.
challenge:
a call to take part in a contest or competition.
Slang Meanings of insurmountable
Meaning: Out of reach
Example Sentence: That goal feels insurmountable right now; it's just out of reach.
Meaning: Beyond the pale
Example Sentence: The deadlines are beyond the pale; they're insurmountable.