insuperable

USAGE SUMMARY

'insuperable' is a word that is used in written English and can be found in the dictionary.
It is an adjective that means something cannot be overcome and is usually used in negative contexts. Example sentence: His financial difficulties were seemingly insuperable, so he had to get help from family members.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tom Conti – the frustrated star – says he was too young for the part, too small and found insuperable difficulty in making a hero out of a character who whined and whinged his way through the first act.

The Guardian

The same month, Italy's seemingly insuperable Silvio Berlusconi bowed to the inevitable and made way for an unelected caretaker government headed by Mario Monti pending elections next year.

The Guardian - Business

All of this has to be done in the right sequence; the challenge seemed, at times, insuperable.

The Guardian - Travel

In an age when big data rules, the development of data sets relating to university applications is not something that presents an insuperable challenge.

The Guardian

But they might look a little less insuperable if the other options were a rainbow pact (some combination of Labour-SNP-Plaid-Green Labour-SNP-Plaid-Green Labour-SNP-Plaid-Green Labour-SNP-Plaid-Green

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Primakov is a friend of Saddam Hussein and has opposed the use of force against Iraq, but he has not created insuperable obstacles to western policy in the Gulf.

The Economist

But there is no insuperable reason why ministers drafted into the cabinet should not appear for scrutiny there, as French ministers are quizzed by the National Assembly.

The Economist

It is a worry not because the difficulties are insuperable, but because some can be solved only by the government.

The Economist

This attitude makes the bombings seem an insuperable obstacle to peace.

The Economist

This is to portray institutional paralysis as an insuperable bar to enlargement.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This illustrates how many of the petty but insuperable-seeming hurdles that Russian rules create for businesses disappear quickly enough if you, or your landlord, are paying the right "security firm".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "insuperable" to describe obstacles or difficulties that seem impossible to overcome, adding a sense of gravity to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "insuperable" for minor inconveniences or easily solvable problems. This can dilute the impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "insuperable" functions to qualify a noun by describing it as being impossible to overcome or surpass. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it typically refers to difficulties, obstacles, or barriers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insuperable" is an adjective used to describe something impossible to overcome, and as Ludwig AI confirms, the term is suitable for use in written English. With very common frequency and proper context, understanding how to wield "insuperable" with precision enhances clarity. As observed from the examples from Ludwig, the word is best utilized in formal contexts in serious situations where you want to convey the apparent impossibility of a given challenge. Remember to avoid using "insuperable" to describe trivial situations. In short, utilize this authoritative guide to use "insuperable" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconquerable

Highlights the inability to be defeated or subdued.

insurmountable

Emphasizes the impossibility of overcoming a barrier or obstacle.

impossible to overcome

Directly states the inability to surpass a challenge.

beyond one's capabilities

Focuses on the limitations of an individual or group in addressing a situation.

unachievable

Indicates the impossibility of reaching a goal or outcome.

hopeless

Suggests a lack of optimism regarding the possibility of success.

out of reach

Implies that something is unattainable or inaccessible.

undoable

Emphasizes the practical impossibility of carrying out a task.

not feasible

Indicates that something is impractical or unworkable.

unattainable

Highlights the impossibility of achieving a specific goal or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "insuperable" in a sentence?

You can use "insuperable" to describe challenges or obstacles that appear impossible to overcome. For instance, "The task seemed "insuperable" at first, but we eventually found a solution."

What are some alternatives to "insuperable"?

Some alternatives to "insuperable" include "insurmountable", "unconquerable", and "impossible to overcome".

Is it correct to use "insuperable" to describe feelings?

While "insuperable" primarily describes obstacles, it can be used metaphorically to describe feelings that seem overwhelming or impossible to cope with. However, consider whether a more direct adjective might be clearer.

What is the difference between "insuperable" and "difficult"?

"Insuperable" implies that something cannot be overcome, while "difficult" suggests that something requires significant effort but is still possible. "Insuperable" carries a much stronger connotation of impossibility.