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REFERENCE

impossibility

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪmˌpɔsɪˈbɪɫɪti// UK //ɪmpˌɒsəbˈɪlɪti// im·pos·si·bil·i·ty Archaic

n. something that cannot happen or be done because it is not possible. You use this word to describe a situation that has no solution.

n. the state or fact of being unable to occur, exist, or be achieved. Often used to describe a logical or physical contradiction.


SIMPLE

Traveling faster than the speed of light is a physical impossibility.

CONTEXTUAL

The team realized that finishing the entire project by tomorrow morning was a mathematical impossibility.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that the coexistence of these two opposing laws was a logical impossibility within a single legal framework.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French impossibilité, from Latin impossibilitās. By surface analysis, im- + possibility and impossible + -ity.

Usage

Often follows the indefinite article 'an' when referring to a specific impossible task or situation.

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