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 if the game is unwinnable, players can lose, and do so abruptly. — Makena Kelly, Wired News, 11 May 2026 The war in Ukraine is unwinnable and could bring down the Russian economy. — Elliott Goat, TheWeek, 3 June 2026 Such has been the unsolvable — and largely unwinnable — issue with looking back at the King of Pop’s life. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 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

Rhymes for unwinnable

See All Rhymes for unwinnable

Browse Nearby Words

unwinking
unwinnable
unwinnowed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwinnable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwinnable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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