Impossible: meaning, definitions and examples

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impossible

[ɪmˈpɒsɪbl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

to achieve or do something that has never been done before

Something that is impossible cannot be achieved or done, usually because it is too difficult or because there is not enough time.

Synonyms

unachievable, unattainable, undoable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impossible	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.
unachievable	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.
unattainable	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.
undoable	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.

Examples of usage

It's impossible to predict the future.
Winning the lottery twice is virtually impossible.
She faced an impossible task of finishing the project in one day.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

something that cannot exist or be done according to the laws of nature

Something that is impossible cannot exist or be done according to the laws of nature, and therefore it is not possible.

Synonyms

inconceivable, unimaginable, unthinkable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impossible	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
inconceivable	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
unthinkable	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
unimaginable	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

Examples of usage

It's impossible for humans to live on Mars without significant technological advancements.
The idea of time travel is often considered impossible based on our current understanding of physics.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'impossibilis', combining 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'posse' meaning 'to be able'.
It entered Middle English through Old French in the late 14th century, initially used in literary contexts.
It originally referred to something that was unattainable, reinforcing the idea of limits.

Psychology

The belief in impossibility can hinder personal ambition, as mindset plays a significant role in motivation.
Research suggests that perceiving a task as impossible can lead to feelings of helplessness and decreased performance.
Setting 'impossible' goals can sometimes spur creativity, leading to innovative solutions as people strive to overcome perceived limits.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'nothing is impossible' is frequently used in motivational speeches, inspiring people to overcome challenges.
Movies like 'The Impossible' delve into extraordinary true stories, showcasing resilience in the face of what seems unachievable.
The famous quote 'The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today' links to the idea of breaking through impossible barriers.

Science

In physics, certain phenomena were once deemed impossible until new theories and technologies proved them feasible.
The concept of time travel was considered impossible based on Moore's Law until theoretical physics began to explore it.
Biological research has shown that what was thought impossible in gene editing has become a reality with CRISPR technology.

Literature

Many literary heroes face seemingly impossible tasks, like Hercules with his twelve labors, showcasing themes of determination.
In 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', Alice argues about reality, suggesting that impossible things can happen if we believe.
The phrase 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' from 'A Tale of Two Cities' captures paradoxes that feel impossible to reconcile.

Translations

Translations of the word "impossible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impossível

🇮🇳 असंभव

🇩🇪 unmöglich

🇮🇩 mustahil

🇺🇦 неможливий

🇵🇱 niemożliwy

🇯🇵 不可能 (ふかのう)

🇫🇷 impossible

🇪🇸 imposible

🇹🇷 imkansız

🇰🇷 불가능한 (bulganghan)

🇸🇦 مستحيل

🇨🇿 nemožný

🇸🇰 nemožný

🇨🇳 不可能 (bù kěnéng)

🇸🇮 nemogoče

🇮🇸 ómögulegt

🇰🇿 мүмкін емес

🇬🇪 შეუძლებელი

🇦🇿 mümkünsüz

🇲🇽 imposible

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,165, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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