unwinnable

adjective

un·​win·​na·​ble ˌən-ˈwi-nə-bəl How to pronounce unwinnable (audio)
: incapable of being won
an unwinnable struggle
also : impregnable
an unwinnable fortress

Examples of unwinnable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even some of Davie’s closest colleagues acknowledge that impartiality is an unwinnable issue for the BBC. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026 In several studies, people with higher grit were more likely to persist at tasks that were objectively unwinnable. Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 Drone warfare with wall-to-wall press coverage is presenting a possibility of an unwinnable war with Iran. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026 Indiana is red enough to be unwinnable for a Democrat; Michigan is purple and offers four more electoral votes. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwinnable

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwinnable was circa 1540

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Cite this Entry

“Unwinnable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwinnable. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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