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impossibility

B2
Fairly common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɪmpˌɒsəbˈɪlɪti/

US

  • /ˌɪmˌpɔsɪˈbɪlɪti/

Meanings

Noun

  1. the state or quality of being impossible

  2. something that cannot happen or be done

Beyond the definition

Impossibility isn't just about something being difficult—it means something absolutely cannot be done. It is the state of being unable to happen at all, like trying to build a bridge to the moon.

Think of it this way: you might face great challenges when writing a novel, but finishing it is still possible. But if you tried to travel back in time? That would enter the realm of impossibility, at least according to our current understanding of physics. The word can be used for real physical limits or for things that cannot happen under certain conditions. A magician might create the illusion of impossibility, but the real thing is a firm boundary.

Examples

  1. 1

    Practical limits

    Without a car, getting to work on time was a practical impossibility.

    • Phrasepractical impossibility

      something that cannot really be done in the situation

  2. 2

    Human feelings

    She spoke about the impossibility of knowing exactly what another person feels.

    • Patternthe impossibility of + -ing

      the fact that it cannot be done

  3. 3

    Legal restriction

    For legal reasons, it was an impossibility for the company to share the files.

    • Usageit was an impossibility for someone to do something

      a formal way to say they could not do it

  4. 4

    Politics

    Cutting taxes and increasing spending at the same time was a political impossibility.

    • Domainpolitical impossibility

      something that is not realistic in politics

More examples
  1. 5

    Technology

    Twenty years ago, a phone that could translate speech in real time seemed like an impossibility.

See also

Similar

  • infeasibility
  • impracticability
  • nonviability

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • the impossibility of
  • practical impossibility
  • virtual impossibility
  • logical impossibility

Word family

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Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • impossibilitynoun

Forms

  • impossibilitiespluralnoun