surmountable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surmountable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe challenges or obstacles that can be overcome or dealt with successfully. Example: "Despite the difficulties we faced, we believed that the issues were surmountable with teamwork and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because the challenges we face are real, but they are surmountable.

The Guardian

Kashmir's pro-Indian state government meanwhile says it will hold local elections this month, an attempt, say the separatists, to scuttle the peace process.What makes these obstacles surmountable is that the three main participants want the process to begin.

The Economist

In fact, he returned to the theme of the speech that first brought him to national attention, at the Democratic convention in 2004, that America is "more than a collection of red states and blue states", its partisan divides surmountable.

The Economist

India considers Kashmir an integral part of the union and is not about to negotiate with Pakistan over its sovereignty.The hurdles are surmountable.

The Economist

Lithuania has genuine (though, with good will, surmountable) political and constitutional difficulties in doing what Poland wants.

The Economist

However, it is not thought that any of these concerns lay behind Mr Johnson's departure, and they all seemed surmountable in any case.Mr Balls has a fine mind and, as a long-time adviser to Gordon Brown during the latter's time as chancellor of the exchequer, he knows the Treasury brief better than almost any serving politician in Britain.

The Economist

But the problem of financing steady flows of aid is surmountable.

The Economist

The Chinese do not want to make concessions without testing the new boys' bargaining skills.Both these problems are surely surmountable.

The Economist

Of all the difficulties that now beset him, the economic and fiscal ones may prove the least surmountable.

The Economist

For a big company such as Syktyvkar, that sort of thing is annoying but surmountable.

The Economist

Meanwhile, a White House official waves away questions about American air support as mere "speculation".The practical objections to the use of air power are surmountable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surmountable" to describe challenges that, while difficult, can be overcome with effort and strategy. For example, "The technical challenges are "surmountable" with the right resources and expertise."

Common error

Avoid using "surmountable" when you mean that a challenge is trivial or easily dismissed. "Surmountable" implies that effort is still required, even if success is likely. If the issue is truly minor, consider words like "negligible" or "minor".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "surmountable" primarily functions to describe nouns, typically obstacles, challenges, or difficulties, indicating their capacity to be overcome. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in contexts where issues are not impossible to resolve.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "surmountable" is an adjective used to describe challenges, obstacles or difficulties that can be overcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias and formal business documents. The phrase communicates that while challenges exist, they are not insurmountable and can be tackled effectively, hence its relation to the semantic area of problem-solving. Alternatives such as "overcomable", "achievable", or "manageable" offer slightly different nuances, allowing for precise expression depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not insurmountable

Uses a double negative to express the idea that something can be overcome, emphasizing that it is not impossible.

overcomable

Emphasizes the action of overcoming, suggesting a direct confrontation and victory over a challenge.

conquerable

Implies a more forceful and decisive victory over an obstacle, suggesting complete control after overcoming it.

manageable

Suggests that something can be controlled or dealt with effectively, often implying a level of ease or skill in handling it.

achievable

Focuses on the possibility of reaching a goal or completing a task, highlighting feasibility rather than direct opposition.

solvable

Highlights the possibility of finding a solution to a problem, emphasizing the intellectual or analytical aspect of overcoming it.

negotiable

Implies that a compromise or agreement can be reached, suggesting a degree of flexibility and willingness to find a solution.

resolvable

Similar to solvable, but emphasizes the process of resolving a conflict or dispute, suggesting a focus on finding a peaceful or mutually agreeable outcome.

tractable

Suggests that something is easily handled or controlled, often implying a lack of resistance or difficulty.

addressable

Focuses on the ability to deal with or tackle an issue directly, suggesting a proactive approach to overcoming it.

FAQs

How to use "surmountable" in a sentence?

Use "surmountable" to describe obstacles or difficulties that can be overcome. For example: "The initial challenges seemed daunting, but ultimately proved "surmountable" with perseverance."

What can I say instead of "surmountable"?

You can use alternatives like "overcomable", "achievable", or "manageable" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the intended meaning. "Surmountable challenge" implies that the challenge can be overcome, while "insurmountable challenge" means the challenge is impossible to overcome.

What is the difference between "surmountable" and "possible"?

"Surmountable" specifically refers to obstacles or difficulties that can be overcome, implying a degree of effort or strategy is required. "Possible" is a broader term that simply indicates something can happen or be done, without necessarily involving a challenge.