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REFERENCE

impossible

adj. · n.
US //ˌɪmˈpɑsəbəɫ// UK //ɪmpˈɒsəbəl// im·pos·si·ble
  1. 1 not possible (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    something that cannot happen or be done because it is not possible.

    incapable of occurring, being done, or being true; logically or physically unattainable.

    Example

    It is impossible to be in two places at the same time.

    Example

    The rescue mission was deemed impossible due to the severe weather conditions and the lack of specialized equipment available at the site.
  2. 2 difficult to deal with (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    very annoying or difficult to handle.

    extremely difficult to deal with, manage, or tolerate. Often used to describe people or social situations.

    Example

    My boss is being impossible today and won't listen to any of my ideas.

    Example

    The client made such impossible demands during the negotiation that the legal team advised walking away from the deal entirely.
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  1. 3 something that cannot be done (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a thing that is not possible.

    an occurrence or task that is impossible; often used in the phrase 'to do the impossible'.

    Example

    The team did the impossible and won the game in the final minute.

    Example

    In the realm of theoretical physics, what was once considered an impossible is now being re-evaluated through new mathematical models.
  2. 4 skateboard trick (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Slang Sport

    a trick where the skateboard does a backflip around the rider's foot.

    a skateboarding maneuver in which the board is wrapped around the back foot in a vertical 360-degree rotation.

    Example

    He landed a perfect impossible off the stairs at the park.

    Example

    Mastering the impossible requires precise foot placement and a high degree of vertical pop to ensure the board clears the ground during the wrap.

Origin

From Middle English impossible, equivalent to im- + possible.

Word family

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