Impossible

/ɪmˈpɒs.ə.bəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Not able to occur, exist, or be done.
It's impossible to finish this project in just one day.
Extremely difficult to deal with or manage.
Her expectations are so high that they seem impossible to meet.
Incapable of being achieved or obtained.
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

Not a chance
Getting to the top of that mountain in one day? Not a chance, it's impossible!
Dream on
You think you can run a marathon without training? Dream on, it's impossible!