insoluble

/ɪnˈsɒljəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈsɑːljəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)in-ˈsäl-yə-bəl/ (ame, mw)

insoluble — adjective

  • insolublepositive
  • more insolublecomparative
  • most insolublesuperlative

1. A problem, question, or difficulty that is insoluble is so hard that there seems

1.形容詞B2
釋義

A problem, question, or difficulty that is insoluble is so hard that there seems to be no way to solve it or find an answer.

例句

The border dispute between the two nations became an insoluble problem for the United Nations.

insoluble + problem — abstract noun subject

Keiko spent a whole weekend trying to solve the puzzle, but it turned out to be insoluble.

remain/seem/turn out + insoluble

同義詞
  • unsolvable

    more common in everyday speech; less formal than insoluble

  • irresolvable

    chiefly used for conflicts, contradictions, or disagreements

  • inexplicable

    focuses on the inability to explain or understand, not just to solve

反義詞
  • solvable

    opposite for problems or questions

  • resolvable

    opposite for conflicts or disagreements

文法句型

insoluble + noun (problem/dilemma/mystery)

seem/appear/remain + insoluble

用法筆記

Formal register — common in academic writing, diplomacy, and journalism. The subject is typically an abstract noun (problem, dilemma, question, mystery, conflict), never a person or concrete object.

常見錯誤

❌The mechanic said the engine problem was insoluble.
✅The mechanic said the engine problem could not be fixed.
💡'Insoluble' is not used for practical, mechanical breakdowns; it is reserved for abstract intellectual or social problems.
❌The student found the exam insoluble.
✅The student found the exam impossible to finish.
💡Exams and test papers are not described as 'insoluble'; use 'impossible' or 'too difficult' instead.

2. An insoluble substance is one that cannot be made to dissolve in a liquid, no ma

2.形容詞B2
釋義

An insoluble substance is one that cannot be made to dissolve in a liquid, no matter how long you stir or heat it.

例句

During the lab experiment, Vikram noticed that the sand was completely insoluble in water.

insoluble in water — specifies the solvent

The doctor explained that the fibre supplement is insoluble and helps with digestion.

同義詞
  • undissolvable

    less common; used in everyday contexts rather than formal science

  • indissoluble

    very formal and rare in modern chemistry; more often used metaphorically

反義詞
  • soluble

    the direct opposite: can be dissolved in a liquid

  • dissolvable

    less technical but equivalent in meaning

文法句型

insoluble + in + solvent (water/alcohol/acid)

insoluble + noun (substance/compound/mineral)

用法筆記

Technical term common in chemistry, biology, and materials science. The solvent is often specified using the pattern 'insoluble in [solvent]'. Only describes substances in relation to a specific liquid — do not use it to mean 'cannot dissolve at all' without naming the solvent.

常見錯誤

❌The plastic chair is insoluble.
✅The plastic chair does not dissolve in water.
💡'Insoluble' describes substances that might be expected to dissolve but do not; it is not used for everyday solid objects.
❌Salt is insoluble.
✅Salt is highly soluble in water.
💡Salt is soluble in water; do not confuse 'insoluble' with 'not dissolvable in a particular solvent'. Always check whether the substance actually dissolves.