surmountable

American  

[ser-moun-tuh-buhl] / sərˈmaʊn tə bəl /

adjective

1. (of a difficulty or challenge) able to be overcome; manageable.

   The task of reducing corruption is daunting, to say the least, but the challenges are surmountable.

2. (of a physical barrier or high place) able to be climbed or to be gotten past or over.

   The low mountain range acts as a surmountable geographical barrier between the two regions, allowing access but still creating regional identities.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• surmountableness
  noun
• unsurmountable
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of surmountable

surmount ( def. ) + -able ( def. )

Example Sentences

Although the hurdles are surmountable, the additional procedural requirements could hobble a fast-moving operation, current and former U.S. officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

The hill was surmountable, in my view, with a more compelling narrative and a bolder, more transformative set of ideas.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2024

And then, if that playoff gap isn’t more surmountable midweek, deal more players by Friday.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 5, 2024

State officials say those challenges are surmountable, pointing to studies showing that electric vehicles can save money over time thanks to lower fuel and maintenance costs.

From New York Times • Aug. 26, 2022

The hole where Airlock 1 used to be is huge, but surmountable.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir