Impossibility Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impossibility

[ˌɪmˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

inability

The state or fact of being impossible; lack of capability or power to perform or accomplish something.

Synonyms

hopelessness, inability, incapacity, powerlessness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impossibility	See entry for 'impossibility'.
inability	Use when referring to someone's lack of skill, power, or means to do something. His inability to swim was a significant obstacle during the vacation. Her inability to express her feelings often led to misunderstandings.
incapacity	Use when describing a physical or mental limitation that prevents someone from doing something. Due to his incapacity, he could no longer carry out his duties at work. The judge ruled that the defendant's mental incapacity made him unfit for trial.
powerlessness	Use to describe a situation where one feels completely devoid of power or control, often negative. She felt a sense of powerlessness as she watched the house burn down. The citizens felt powerlessness under the oppressive regime.
hopelessness	Use to express a strong feeling of despair or lack of hope, often used emotionally. After failing the exam multiple times, he felt a deep sense of hopelessness. The situation in the war-torn country led to widespread hopelessness.

Examples of usage

It was an impossibility for him to finish the project in time.
The impossibility of reaching a compromise led to the breakdown of negotiations.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

unattainable

Something that is impossible or very difficult to achieve or obtain.

Synonyms

impracticable, unachievable, unattainable, unfeasible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impossibility	Use this term to describe a situation or condition where something cannot happen or be done under any circumstances. This word usually emphasizes the absolute nature of the inability. The idea of traveling faster than light remains an impossibility with our current understanding of physics
unattainable	Use this term to express the idea of something being out of reach or impossible to gain, often used in discussions about desires, dreams, or standards. The perfect balance of work and family life often feels unattainable for many professionals
unfeasible	Best used when describing plans or ideas that are not practical or reasonable to execute, much like 'impracticable', but with a focus on practicality rather than theoretical possibility. Launching a manned mission to Mars with our current technology is unfeasible
impracticable	This word is suited for situations where something might be theoretically possible but not realistic or practical to implement, often due to complications or excessive cost. Building a bridge between those two islands is impracticable because of the deep waters and rough seas
unachievable	Appropriate when referring to goals or targets that cannot be successfully accomplished or reached. It is most often used in regard to objectives or aspirations. For many people, working a full-time job while attending school full-time is unachievable

Examples of usage

The idea of world peace seems like an impossibility in today's world.
His dream of becoming a professional athlete was dismissed as an impossibility by many.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In physics, certain phenomena, like faster-than-light travel, are often deemed impossible according to current understanding of relativity.
Mathematics explores impossibility in the form of paradoxes, like Zeno's paradox, where motion is questioned through seemingly impossible situations.

Philosophy

Impossibility challenges our understanding of reality and truth, prompting discussions about boundaries and limits in logic and existence.
Philosophers debate the nature of impossible things, like the idea of a 'square circle,' pushing the limits of conceptual thinking.

Literature

Many works of fiction explore themes of impossibility, such as in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' where the impossible becomes part of the adventure.
The idea of achieving the impossible is a common motif, seen in stories like 'The Little Engine That Could,' promoting perseverance.

Psychology

Cognitive psychology studies how humans perceive possibilities, influencing motivation and behavior when faced with challenges that seem impossible.
The term 'impossible thinking' refers to the mental block that prevents individuals from envisioning solutions to perceived barriers.

Origin of 'impossibility'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Latin, where 'im-' means 'not' and 'possibilis' means 'possible.'
First recorded use in English dates back to the late 14th century, reflecting a long history of discussing what cannot be done.

The word 'impossibility' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Latin word 'impossibilitas', formed from 'im-' (not) and 'possibilitas' (possibility). The concept of impossibility has intrigued philosophers and thinkers throughout history, leading to discussions on the limits of human capabilities and the nature of the impossible.

See also: impossible, impossibly, possibility.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,772 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8769 resisting
8770 melody
8771 mourning
8772 impossibility
8773 interrupt
8774 disbursements
8775 abstraction
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