unsurmountable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unsurmountable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that cannot be defeated, overcome, or surpassed. Example sentence: "The mountain was an unsurmountable obstacle to anyone attempting to summit it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There are still things that I am not able to do — create masterpieces, for instance, or be really responsible — for I have the fault of thinking too much about myself and only seeing reality when it is forced upon me and then unsurmountable".

The New York Times - Arts

Or is it unsurmountable?

The New York Times

I felt that I was blessed with a situation I'd been seeking all my life, but with emotional dilemmas that seemed completely unsurmountable.

The Guardian - Music

In Bruce Willis's John McClane we were presented with a regular ish) guy who, faced unsurmountable odds, won through but took a severe beating in the process (having him barefoot then having to walk across broken glass was a masterstroke).

The Guardian - Film

The road is fraught with obstacles, some of them seemingly unsurmountable.

The Guardian

"Iran is a large market with growth potential, there is a big potential but it comes with a few obstacles on the way which are not unsurmountable," he said.

The Guardian

One lesson of the Egyptian revolt, Žižek argues in Trouble in Paradise, is that if moderate liberal forces continue to ignore the radical left, "they will generate an unsurmountable fundamentalist wave".

The Guardian - Books

When Perth were storming their way to an almost unsurmountable lead at the top, they were too open.

The Guardian - Sport

In addition, the state agreed to negotiate with the plaintiffs in the case to find some way to keep the exit exam from being an unsurmountable barrier for disabled students in future classes.

The New York Times

Lyon, the champion for a seventh consecutive year, had resources beyond Bordeaux, and many might have considered that to be unsurmountable.

The New York Times - Sports

My beloved son, my teacher, my friend, his loss is unsurmountable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unsurmountable", ensure that the context clearly supports the idea of something being impossible to overcome. Overusing it can weaken its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "unsurmountable" when the challenge is merely difficult, not completely impossible. Using it for minor setbacks dilutes its powerful meaning.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unsurmountable" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating that it is impossible to overcome or surpass. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to emphasize the magnitude of challenges. According to Ludwig AI, the term is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsurmountable" is an adjective used to describe something that cannot be overcome, surpassed, or defeated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in describing significant challenges. While it's suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's important to reserve its use for situations that genuinely represent insurmountable difficulties. Alternatives like "insuperable" and "impossible to overcome" can be used for variety. Remember to avoid overusing the term and ensure that the context aligns with its strong connotation of impossibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insurmountable obstacle

This alternative specifies that it is an obstacle that cannot be overcome.

insuperable

This alternative is a direct synonym, indicating something that cannot be overcome.

impossible to overcome

This alternative uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the same meaning of being unable to be defeated.

presents an insurmountable challenge

This alternative frames the situation as a challenge that cannot be overcome.

beyond one's capabilities

This alternative shifts the focus to the limitations of an individual or entity in overcoming something.

cannot be conquered

This alternative suggests a sense of defeat and the inability to achieve victory.

unachievable

This alternative describes something that cannot be attained or accomplished.

formidable

This alternative suggests something difficult to overcome due to its size or strength.

impassable

This alternative suggests something that cannot be passed or traversed.

invincible

This alternative emphasizes the inability to be defeated or harmed.

FAQs

How can I use "unsurmountable" in a sentence?

You can use "unsurmountable" to describe obstacles or challenges that are impossible to overcome. For example, "The language barrier seemed an "insurmountable obstacle" at first."

What are some alternatives to "unsurmountable"?

Some alternatives to "unsurmountable" include "insuperable", "impossible to overcome", and "unachievable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "unsurmountable" a formal word?

"Unsurmountable" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its use depends more on the severity of the situation being described than the formality of the setting.

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

"Insurmountable" implies that something is impossible to overcome, while "difficult" suggests that something requires effort and skill to overcome but is still possible. An "insurmountable challenge" cannot be conquered, a difficult one can with effort.