impossible

The word “impossible” means not able to happen or be done. In plain terms, unable to happen at all, or (informally) unbearably difficult to deal with.

“Impossible” is pronounced ihm-POS-ih-buhl (/ɪmˈpɑ.sə.bəl/ in IPA).

Here is “impossible” used in a sentence: “It's impossible to finish the report by tomorrow.”

Words with a similar meaning to “impossible” include unfeasible, nonpossible, unhappenable and unpossible.

The opposite of “impossible” — its antonyms — are possible and inevitable.

“Impossible” is an adjective.

The word “impossible” comes from Middle English. From Middle English impossible, from im- + possible.

“Impossible” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

'Impossible' means something cannot happen under any circumstances — there is a zero chance of it. 'Unlikely' means something probably will not happen, but it still could. Winning a fair lottery is unlikely, not impossible. People often say 'impossible' loosely to mean 'very difficult,' but strictly it allows no exception.

The main opposite is 'possible' — able to happen or be done. Depending on the context, you might also use 'feasible,' 'achievable,' 'attainable,' or 'doable.' Each suggests that something is not only allowed to happen but realistically within reach, whereas 'impossible' rules it out completely.

Not always. In everyday speech, people use 'impossible' as an exaggeration for something merely very hard or very annoying — 'this crossword is impossible' or 'he's an impossible child.' Strictly, though, the word means something genuinely cannot occur. Context tells you whether the speaker means truly impossible or just extremely difficult.