What does surmountable mean?
The adjective 'surmountable' refers to a task, challenge, or obstacle that can be overcome or dealt with successfully. It implies that the task is manageable, and with determination and hard work, it can be accomplished. The word is often used in formal or informal contexts to describe a challenge that is perceived as difficult but not impossible. In contrast to 'insurmountable', which implies an obstacle that cannot be overcome, 'surmountable' suggests a sense of possibility and achievement. The word is often used in conjunction with words like 'seemingly', 'successfully', and 'determination' to emphasize the importance of hard work and perseverance. Overall, 'surmountable' is a useful word for describing challenges that require effort and dedication to overcome.
adjectiveCapable of being overcome or dealt with successfully; manageable.
- Capable of being overcome or dealt with successfully; manageable.
"The team's determination and hard work made the seemingly insurmountable task surmountable."
"The team's determination and hard work made the seemingly insurmountable task surmountable."
"The project's complexity made it a surmountable challenge for the experienced team."
The plural form 'surmountables' is used to describe multiple tasks or challenges that are capable of being overcome or dealt with successfully.
"The team's determination and hard work made the seemingly insurmountable tasks surmountable."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of surmountable
The word 'surmountable' is derived from the verb 'surmount', which means to overcome or conquer something. The suffix '-able' is added to form an adjective, indicating that something is capable of being overcome or dealt with successfully. The word has its roots in the Old French word 'surmonter', which is itself derived from the Latin 'supermonere', meaning 'to warn or threaten'. The word has evolved over time to convey a sense of possibility and achievement, and is now commonly used in English to describe challenges that require effort and dedication to overcome.
How surmountable is actually used
Formal or informal usage: Both. Connotation: Positive. Common collocations: 'seemingly', 'successfully', 'determination', 'hard work'. Regional differences: None. Distinctions from similar words: 'overcomeable' and 'manageable' are synonyms, while 'insurmountable' is an antonym.