Word
impossibility
Phoneticsim·pos·si·bil·i·ty, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌɪmˌpɔsɪˈbɪɫɪti/
UK/ɪmpˌɒsəbˈɪlɪti/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
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.
Examples
“Traveling faster than the speed of light is a physical impossibility.”
“The team realized that finishing the entire project by tomorrow morning was a mathematical impossibility.”
“The philosopher argued that the coexistence of these two opposing laws was a logical impossibility within a single legal framework.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Often follows the indefinite article 'an' when referring to a specific impossible task or situation.
Real-World Examples
“FACUA has provided the Consumer Affairs Department with evidence of calls made demonstrating the impossibility of speaking to a person through the telephone lines available to users.” “Playing a high-energy pressing game in four or five competitions will quickly become an impossibility.” Etymology
From Middle French impossibilité, from Latin impossibilitās. By surface analysis, im- + possibility and impossible + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/impossibility