Meaning & Definition of word "Impossible"

to

arrow

    Impossible

    /ɪmˈpɒs.ə.bəl/

    adjective:

    • 1. Not able to occur, exist, or be done.
      • Example: It's impossible to finish this project in just one day.
    • 2. Extremely difficult to deal with or manage.
      • Example: Her expectations are so high that they seem impossible to meet.
    • 3. Incapable of being achieved or obtained.
      • Example: Climbing that mountain in the winter is considered impossible.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'impossibilis', combining 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'possibilis' meaning 'able to be done.'

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    Mission Impossible:

    A task that seems extremely difficult or impossible to accomplish.

    It’s impossible to please everyone:

    You cannot satisfy all parties in a situation.

    Nothing is impossible:

    With effort, anything can be achieved, although it may be challenging.

    Related Words

    possible:

    Able to be done or achieved.

    impossibility:

    The state or condition of being impossible.

    impossibly:

    In a manner that cannot be done or achieved.

    Slang Meanings of impossible

    Meaning: Not a chance

    Example Sentence: Getting to the top of that mountain in one day? Not a chance, it's impossible!

    Meaning: Dream on

    Example Sentence: You think you can run a marathon without training? Dream on, it's impossible!