insurmountable

/ˌˈɪnsərˌmaʊntəbəl/

/ɪnsəˈmaʊntəbəl/

Other forms: insurmountably

The adjective insurmountable describes some barrier that is incapable of being overcome. The Great Wall of China was meant to be an insurmountable deterrent to would-be invaders.

Although the adjective insurmountable can be used to describe an actual physical barrier, it most often refers to a less tangible challenge. "The runner was disheartened because her competitor had an insurmountable lead in the race." "Because of insurmountable difficulties, the school's fall party had to be canceled. The water heater burst, raining gallons of water down on the gym, and flooding it. Since it was not a swimming party, the school wasn't able to clean up the mess in time to host the party."

Definitions of insurmountable

1. adjective

   not capable of being surmounted or overcome
   “insurmountable disadvantages”

   synonyms: unsurmountable

   unconquerable

   not capable of being conquered or vanquished or overcome

   impossible

   not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

   insuperable, unconquerable

   incapable of being surmounted or excelled

   antonyms:

   surmountable

   capable of being surmounted or overcome

   conquerable

   subject to being conquered or overcome

   conquerable, superable

   capable of being surmounted or excelled
2. adjective

   impossible to surmount
   synonyms: insuperable

   unconquerable

   not capable of being conquered or vanquished or overcome