What does surpassable mean?
Surpassable is an adjective meaning that something can be overtaken, exceeded, or otherwise surpassed. It is used when discussing a performance, achievement, record, standard, or obstacle that is capable of being surpassed, usually by another person or result. The word is relatively uncommon and has a formal tone, appearing more often in commentary, journalism, and analytical writing than in everyday conversation. Its structure conveys the idea of a limit that is high but not absolute: a previous result may be considered formidable and still described as surpassable. The word is especially associated with competition and achievement, as in references to a surpassable record or benchmark. It should not be confused with unsurpassable, which describes something so exceptional that it cannot be exceeded. Together, these words express the distinction between a difficult achievement and one regarded as genuinely unmatched.
adjectiveCapable of being surpassed, overtaken, or exceeded.
- Capable of being overtaken, exceeded, or surpassed.
"The defending champion set a standard that no rival considered surpassable."
"The previous production record remained surpassable for another year."
"Although difficult, the obstacles were clearly surpassable with sufficient planning."
A record may be broken, but a peak may remain unsurpassable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of surpassable
“Surpassable” was formed in English by adding the suffix “-able” to “surpass.” The verb “surpass” entered English from Anglo-Norman and ultimately derives from Latin “super,” meaning “over” or “beyond,” together with “passus,” a participle associated with passing. The suffix “-able” indicates that something can be subjected to the action or condition described by the verb.
How surpassable is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon and formal word, used mainly to characterize achievements, records, limits, or obstacles that can be exceeded. In predicative use, “surpassable” is more natural than attributive use.