is insurmountable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is insurmountable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge or obstacle that cannot be overcome or dealt with effectively. Example: "The financial burden of the project is insurmountable, leaving us with no choice but to reconsider our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing is insurmountable.

The New York Times

None of this is insurmountable.

The Guardian

None of these tasks is insurmountable.

The Economist

It's not like this is insurmountable.

The New York Times - Sports

"The difference with the leader is insurmountable," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Chalmers thinks that, at present, it is insurmountable.

The New Yorker

None of the challenges highlighted in these three risk cases is insurmountable.

The New York Times

Lastly, the industry needs to create new tools for assessing risk.None of these challenges is insurmountable.

The Economist

In both works no crisis lasts forever, and no loss, however saddening, is insurmountable.

The New York Times - Arts

Nonetheless, Mr. Cuomo said that "the terrorist threat that this plant poses is insurmountable".

The New York Times

Lands Endd makes a point to assure its customers that no problem is insurmountable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is insurmountable", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific obstacle or challenge is being described as impossible to overcome. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is insurmountable" when the situation is merely difficult or challenging, not truly impossible. Overusing this phrase can weaken its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is insurmountable" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, describing a noun or situation as impossible to overcome. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates a barrier that cannot be surmounted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is insurmountable" is a commonly used predicative adjective phrase that describes something impossible to overcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news media, science, and formal business settings. While grammatically sound and widely understood, writers should ensure its use aligns with the true impossibility of the situation, avoiding exaggeration. Alternatives like "is unachievable" or "is impossible to overcome" offer similar meanings depending on the nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is an insurmountable obstacle

Rephrases the original phrase, explicitly defining it as an obstacle.

is unachievable

Focuses on the impossibility of achieving a desired outcome or goal.

is impossible to overcome

Emphasizes the inability to surmount a specific obstacle or challenge.

is an unresolvable issue

Presents the situation as a problem with no available solution.

is beyond one's capabilities

Highlights the lack of ability to handle a situation or task.

is not possible to resolve

Indicates the absence of a solution to a problem.

cannot be conquered

Implies a struggle or battle that cannot be won.

is hopelessly difficult

Stresses the extreme difficulty and lack of hope for improvement.

is a hopeless case

Conveys a sense of futility and lack of potential for success.

is not amenable to change

Suggests resistance to any modification or improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "is insurmountable" in a sentence?

Use "is insurmountable" to describe a problem or obstacle that seems impossible to overcome. For example, "The task ahead "is insurmountable" without additional resources".

What can I say instead of "is insurmountable"?

You can use alternatives like "is unachievable", "is impossible to overcome", or "cannot be conquered" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is insurmountable" or "is surmountable"?

"Is insurmountable" means impossible to overcome, while "is surmountable" means capable of being overcome. The correct choice depends on the specific situation you're describing.

What's the difference between "is insurmountable" and "is difficult"?

"Is insurmountable" implies a situation that is impossible to overcome, while "is difficult" suggests a challenge that requires effort but is still achievable. The first indicates impossibility, while the second suggests effort and possibility.