Impossible: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when describing something that cannot happen or be done under any circumstances.

• It's impossible to breathe underwater without special equipment.
• Solving this puzzle in under a minute is impossible.

Use this when referring to goals or aspirations that cannot be reached or accomplished.

• For most people, becoming a billionaire overnight is unachievable.
• The target set by the company is unachievable with the current resources.

Typically used when talking about something that cannot be obtained or reached, often over a long period of time.

• Perfection is an unattainable ideal.
• For some, the dream of owning a mansion in the countryside seems unattainable.

Applied when discussing tasks or activities that cannot be performed or completed. Often used in practical or everyday scenarios.

• Repairing this old machine without spare parts is undoable.
• The project became undoable due to lack of sufficient funding.

Describes something that cannot happen or be done.

• Climbing Mount Everest without oxygen is impossible
• It's impossible to stop a hurricane with wishful thinking

Refers to something that is beyond imagination or belief due to sheer improbability or extremity.

• The idea of humans living on Jupiter is inconceivable
• The success of the mission was inconceivable to everyone

Implies something that is so shocking or unacceptable that it should not even be considered.

• It was unthinkable for her to quit her job after working there for 20 years
• In some cultures, it's unthinkable to disrespect elders

Used to talk about something that is so extreme or extraordinary that it's difficult to even think about.

• The destruction from the earthquake was unimaginable
• Living without the internet is unimaginable for most people today