Word
possibility
Phoneticspos·si·bil·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpɑsəˈbɪɫəˌti/
UK/pˌɒsəbˈɪlɪti/
Definitions
01chance of happening
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun
n. a chance that something might happen or exist.
n. the state or fact of being possible; a potential occurrence that is not certain but could happen.
“There is a strong possibility of rain later this afternoon.”
“Scientists are currently investigating the possibility of liquid water existing beneath the icy surface of the distant moon.”
Pitfall
There is a possibility for rain today.
There is a possibility of rain today.
Use the preposition 'of' after possibility when followed by a noun or a gerund.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02an option or choice
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. one of several different things you could choose to do.
n. a viable option or alternative course of action available for consideration.
“We are looking at every possibility before we decide which house to buy.”
“The board of directors spent the morning session exploring every possibility for expansion into the European market before committing to a final strategy.”
Synonyms
03future potential
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
n. the chance that someone or something will improve or become great in the future.
n. the inherent capacity for future growth, improvement, or success; often used in the plural.
“This old house is a mess, but it has great possibilities.”
“The young pianist's debut performance was technically flawed, yet the critics agreed that her playing showed immense possibilities for a professional career.”
Usage
Often used in the plural form 'possibilities' to describe general potential.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “possibility” in context.
Etymology
From Middle English possibilite, from Middle French possibilité (from Old French possibilite) and directly from Late Latin possibilitās (“possibility”), from Latin possibilis (“possible”); see possible. By surface analysis, possible + -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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/possibility