surmountable

Surmountable is an adjective describing something that can be overcome or conquered. It is used of obstacles, difficulties, tests, or challenges that can be dealt with successfully given appropriate effort, resources, or time. The opposite form is insurmountable.

Etymology: The word derives from French surmonter meaning to overcome, from sur- meaning over and monter meaning to mount or climb, with the English suffix -able producing an adjective. The term has appeared in English since the early modern period and remains common in both informal and formal styles.

Usage: Surmountable is often used in phrases such as a surmountable obstacle or surmountable difficulties. It conveys a sense of possibility and progress, as opposed to insurmountable, which implies no possible way to overcome.

Contexts: In everyday language, surmountable describes personal or organizational challenges that are within reach with effort, planning, or cooperation. In scientific, mathematical, or policy discussions, it may label constraints or hurdles that can be removed or mitigated by interventions, redesign, or resource allocation. In psychology, one might refer to surmountable fears or doubts when describing achievable personal growth.

Variants and related terms: surmount, surmountability, insurmountable. Synonyms include manageable, solvable, feasible, conquerable, or context-appropriate replacements; antonyms include insurmountable and unmanageable.

See also: insurmountable, overcome, obstacle, difficulty, feasibility.