insoluble

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ɪnˈsɒljʊbəl/

KK: /ɪnˈsɑljəbl/

adjective

Definition

Something that is difficult or impossible to solve or explain, or that cannot be dissolved in a liquid.

Example

The problem seemed insoluble, leaving the team frustrated.

Conversation

Have you ever tried to solve that insoluble puzzle we bought last year?

I did, but I got so frustrated I just gave up!

Right? Some of those riddles seem completely insoluble at first glance.

Totally! It makes you wonder how anyone ever figures them out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

unsolvable

indissoluble

impossible

Antonyms

soluble

resolvable

explainable

Root Explanation

Insoluble → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "solubilis" (from Latin, meaning able to be dissolved). The word "insoluble" means not able to be dissolved.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not' ('in-') 'able to be dissolved' ('solubilis') — that's why we call it insoluble.

Visually Confused Words

unsoluble