What does superable mean?
Superable is a formal adjective meaning capable of being overcome, surpassed, or defeated. It is commonly used in statements such as "the difficulty is superable," particularly when discussing technical problems, obstacles, or other challenges that can be resolved. The word conveys no dramatic impossibility; instead, it suggests that resistance can be overcome through sufficient effort, skill, or resources. Superable is closely contrasted with insuperable, meaning too great or formidable to be overcome, and with insurmountable, meaning impossible to surmount. Although the expression appears in both British and American English, it is less common than the opposing term and is usually encountered in formal, technical, or literary contexts. Its usefulness lies in its precision: it identifies a challenge as difficult but not inherently beyond reach. The word may also be used more broadly of anything capable of being surpassed, though this sense is less frequent.
adjectiveCapable of being overcome, surpassed, or defeated.
- Capable of being overcome, surpassed, or defeated.
"The engineers concluded that the technical difficulties were superable."
"The engineers concluded that the technical difficulties were superable."
"Although the initial resistance appeared formidable, the obstruction proved superable."
Some challenges are insuperable; the rest are merely superable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does superable come from?
Superable entered English in the early modern period from the Latin adjective superabilis, meaning "able to be overcome or surpassed." It was formed from superare, "to overcome, conquer, or surpass," which contains the Latin element super-, meaning "over" or "above." Related English words such as surpass, superior, supreme, and superb reflect the same wider Latin family.
How superable is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon word. It is especially natural in predicative constructions such as "the problem is superable" and contrasts directly with the more familiar "insuperable."
Easily confused with superable
Superable means capable of being overcome or surpassed, whereas superior means higher in rank, quality, or importance.