ENGLISH
REFERENCE

possibility

n. C / U
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˌpɑsəˈbɪɫəˌti// UK //pˌɒsəbˈɪlɪti// pos·si·bil·i·ty Archaic General-service

n. a chance that something might happen or be true. You use this when you are not 100% sure about the future.

n. a state or fact of being likely or able to occur; a potential outcome that is feasible but not certain.


SIMPLE

There is a possibility of rain later today.

CONTEXTUAL

We are exploring every possibility to find a solution that works for everyone in the office.

COMPLEX

While the theoretical possibility of a market recovery remains, most analysts suggest that structural weaknesses in the sector will prevent any significant growth this fiscal year.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of' plus a gerund or noun phrase, or by a 'that' clause.

Pitfall

the possibility to gothe possibility of goingWhen followed by an action, use 'possibility of' with an -ing verb rather than the infinitive.

© 2026 English Reference