insuperable

/ɪnˈsupərəbəl/

/ɪnˈsuprəbəl/

Perhaps if you are a superhero, you can tackle an insuperable problem — one that is considered impossible to overcome.

Insuperable is an adjective that is often paired with nouns like difficulty, obstacle, and barrier. An insuperable difficulty is not just difficult; it’s impossible. And an insuperable obstacle is not like a hurdle on a running track that slows you down a little; it stops you entirely. The opposite of insuperable is, of course, superable, though it’s less commonly used than its negative counterpart.

Definitions of insuperable

1. adjective

   incapable of being surmounted or excelled
   “insuperable odds”

   “insuperable heroes”

   synonyms: unconquerable

   insurmountable, unsurmountable

   not capable of being surmounted or overcome
2. adjective

   impossible to surmount
   synonyms: insurmountable

   unconquerable

   not capable of being conquered or vanquished or overcome