insolvable

[ in-sol-vuh-buhl ]

/ ɪnˈsɒl və bəl /

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adjective

incapable of being solved or explained; insoluble.

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Origin of insolvable

First recorded in 1640–50; in-³ + solvable

OTHER WORDS FROM insolvable

in·solv·a·bil·i·ty, nounin·solv·a·bly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH insolvable

insoluble, insolvable , unsolvable

Words nearby insolvable

insole, insolence, insolent, insolubilize, insoluble, insolvable, insolvency, insolvency provision, insolvent, in so many words, in some measure

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use insolvable in a sentence

It is one of the most insolvable questions in history why so little effort was made by the French to save the Maid's life.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume VII|John Lord
The problem seemed insolvable; but Trueman Harwell had not played the part of a machine so long without result.
The Leavenworth Case|Anna Katherine Green
This apparently insolvable problem was solved by Watt in the most simple manner.
The Great Events by Famous Historians, v. 13|Various
The sheriff of neither county could afford to bother his head long over an insolvable mystery.
The Foolish Virgin|Thomas Dixon

Heredity thus becomes a convenient name by which to denominate the insolvable.
A Plea for the Criminal|James Leslie Allan Kayll

British Dictionary definitions for insolvable

insolvable

/ (ɪnˈsɒlvəbəl) /

adjective

another word for insoluble (def. 2)

Derived forms of insolvable

insolvability, nouninsolvably, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012