insuperable
UK: ɪnˈsjuːpərəbl | US: ɪnˈsuːpərəbl
adj. impossible to overcome or surpass
adj. too great to be conquered or solved
insuperable = in<not> + super<over> + able<capable of>
- in: Latin prefix meaning "not" or "opposite of."
- super: Latin root meaning "over" or "above," derived from superare (to overcome).
- able: Suffix from Latin -abilis, indicating capability or tendency.
Etymology Origin:
The word insuperable originates from Latin insuperabilis, combining in- (negation) + superare (to overcome). It entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core meaning of "unable to be surmounted." The logic is straightforward: if something cannot (in-) be "overcome" (super), it is insurmountable. The suffix -able reinforces the idea of inherent capability (or lack thereof).
The mountain's sheer cliffs posed an insuperable challenge to climbers.
Despite their efforts, the team faced insuperable financial obstacles.
His optimism made him view no problem as insuperable.
The language barrier seemed insuperable at first, but they eventually communicated.
The law was designed to address seemingly insuperable social inequalities.