Definition

A situation or condition that cannot happen or be done.

Example

The impossibility of finding a solution made everyone feel hopeless.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the impossibility of flying without any help?

Yeah, it sounds crazy, but it would be amazing if we could!

Right? I mean, the idea of just soaring through the sky feels like a dream, but it’s an impossibility for now.

True! But who knows what the future holds; maybe one day it won't be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Impossibility is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "possibilis" (from Latin, meaning able to be done) and the suffix "-ity" (meaning the state or condition of). The word describes the state of being not able to be done or achieved.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being combined with 'able to be done' ('possibilis') — that's why impossibility means the state of something that cannot be done.

Visually Confused Words