Impossibility: meaning, definitions and examples

See entry for 'impossibility'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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