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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

impossibility

ihm-po-sih-BIH-lee-tee

Impossibility (noun) means something that cannot happen or be done. Example: “A perpetual motion machine is a physical impossibility.”

noun
1
Something that cannot happen or be done.
"A perpetual motion machine is a physical impossibility."
2
The quality of being impossible.
"They eventually accepted the impossibility of finishing on time."

How to use impossibility

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that simply cannot be done, or the fact of being unable to happen.

Common pairings
a virtual impossibility practical impossibility

Word forms

impossibilities plural

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A perpetual motion machine is a physical _____.

Etymology

From Latin impossibilitas, from im- + possibility.

Origin: Latin

castle in the air pie in the sky pipe dream

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for impossibility

See all rhymes for impossibility →

Frequently asked questions

What does “impossibility” mean?

The word “impossibility” means something that cannot happen or be done. In plain terms, something that simply cannot be done, or the fact of being unable to happen.

How do you pronounce “impossibility”?

“Impossibility” is pronounced ihm-po-sih-BIH-lee-tee (/ɪmˌpɑsɪˈbɪliti/ in IPA).

How do you use “impossibility” in a sentence?

Here is “impossibility” used in a sentence: “A perpetual motion machine is a physical impossibility.”

What is another word for “impossibility”?

Words with a similar meaning to “impossibility” include castle in the air, pie in the sky and pipe dream.

What is the opposite of “impossibility”?

The opposite of “impossibility” — its antonyms — are certainty, inevitability, possibility and sure thing.

What part of speech is “impossibility”?

“Impossibility” is a noun.

Where does the word “impossibility” come from?

The word “impossibility” comes from Latin. From Latin impossibilitas, from im- + possibility.

Is “impossibility” a common word?

“Impossibility” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial