insuperable

American  

[in-soo-per-uh-buhl] / ɪnˈsu pər ə bəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being passed over, overcome, or surmounted.

   an insuperable barrier.

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insuperable British  

/ -prəbəl, -ˈsjuː-, ɪnˈsuːpərəbəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being overcome; insurmountable

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• insuperability
  noun
• insuperableness
  noun
• insuperably
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of insuperable

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English word from Latin word insuperābilis. See in- ³, superable

Explanation

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.

Example Sentences

Here and elsewhere, scale is a messaging device, speaking of the Roman imperium’s insuperable need to seize and control large swaths of space.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025

While that seemingly insuperable detail gets worked out, I would urge executives at HBO and its streaming rivals to consider optioning Adjmi’s drama for a new series, limited or otherwise.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2024

Zelensky’s visit is a reminder that democracy is worth fighting for and that bravery in the face of what seemed to be insuperable odds can achieve what was once regarded as impossible.

From Washington Post • Dec. 21, 2022

If the left’s challenges appear daunting, they are perhaps not yet insuperable.

From New York Times • Sep. 2, 2021

But the obstacles facing them were many, almost insuperable: they had no rackets, no balls, no decent tennis courts, no shoes.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane