English Reference
Noun

impossibility

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

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.

Usage

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

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.

The Local· 4 Sept 2026

Playing a high-energy pressing game in four or five competitions will quickly become an impossibility.

The Guardian· 3 Sept 2026

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.

This entry
Origin Latin impossibilitās
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated