PsychologyAugust 16, 2026

unsurmountable

un-ser-MOUN-tuh-bul

Definition

Too great or extreme to be overcome, dealt with, or conquered.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix 'un-' (not) added to 'surmountable,' which comes from the Old French 'surmonter,' meaning to surpass or overcome.

In the news

The article uses the word to describe feelings of hopelessness that have reached a level where a parent can no longer manage them alone, indicating that professional help is needed.

3 habits to avoid when your ageing parent is losing their spark, according to a psychologist

Read the full article ↗

HELLO! Magazine

Related words

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.