1 impossible | Definition of impossible
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

impossible

adjective
im·​pos·​si·​ble | \ (ˌ)im-ˈpĂ€-sə-bəl How to pronounce impossible (audio) \

Definition of impossible

1a : incapable of being or of occurring
b : felt to be incapable of being done, attained, or fulfilled : insuperably difficult an impossible deadline
2a : extremely undesirable : unacceptable
b : extremely awkward or difficult to deal with the actor was impossible on the set
Other Words from impossible Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about impossible

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from impossible

impossibleness noun

Examples of impossible in a Sentence

It's impossible to predict the future. The heavy rain made it impossible to see the road. It's physically impossible for a child to lift that much at once. It's virtually impossible to book a flight just before the holiday. These math problems are impossible! You refuse to help and then criticize me for not doing it right? You're impossible! My boss is just an impossible woman.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web

 The show’s sense of conviviality and community seemed impossible. — Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, "“Kim’s Convenience,” the Genial Canadian Sitcom That Feels Like Watching Another Time Line," 28 Aug. 2019 For centuries, scientists assumed that life at such depths was impossible – and checking wasn’t a simple task. — Eva Botkin-kowacki, The Christian Science Monitor, "NASA eyes the ocean: How the deep sea could unlock outer space," 23 Aug. 2019 The rock formations rising out of the savannah seem impossible, like they were dropped there by some heavenly spirit with a pocketful of pebbles. — USA Today, "Were Wanda Tucker’s ancestors America’s first slaves? A difficult search for answers in far-away Angola," 22 Aug. 2019 This has introduced a new factor in the situation, something that has made reconciliation with New Delhi almost impossible. — Riyaz Wani, Quartz India, "After three weeks of lockdown, this is what Kashmir looks like," 22 Aug. 2019 Since then, the downturn in album sales -- which have dropped 35% since 2017 -- coupled with the rise of streaming, have seemingly made hitting the million-sales mark almost impossible. — Ed Christman, Billboard, "Will Taylor Swift's 'Lover' Conquer All With Another Million-Selling Debut?," 22 Aug. 2019 Kristina decimates Caitlin’s very fair argument, claiming her intentions and actions should have no effect on Caitlin’s relationship with Blake (this is impossible). — Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, "Bachelor In Paradise," 22 Aug. 2019 The road portion of the schedule almost seems impossible: Arizona, Illinois State, Montana State, Weber State, Eastern Washington and Southern Utah. — Craig Haley, oregonlive.com, "Big Sky football preview 2019: Top-heavy conference should make for crowded title race," 21 Aug. 2019 The upshot is that the findings are almost impossible to compare. — Matt Simon, WIRED, "You’ve Been Drinking Microplastics, But Don’t Worry—Yet," 21 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impossible.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of impossible

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for impossible

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin impossibilis, from in- + possibilis possible

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for impossible

impossible

adjective
How to pronounce impossible (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of impossible

: unable to be done or to happen : not possible
: very difficult
of a person : very difficult to deal with : very irritating or annoying

See the full definition for impossible in the English Language Learners Dictionary

impossible

adjective
im·​pos·​si·​ble | \ im-ˈpĂ€-sə-bəl How to pronounce impossible (audio) \

Kids Definition of impossible

1 : incapable of being or of occurring : not possible The noise makes it impossible to concentrate.
2 : very difficult These math problems are impossible!
3 : very bad or unpleasant She is impossible to deal with.

Other Words from impossible

impossibly \ -​blē \ adverb

impossible

adjective
im·​pos·​si·​ble

Legal Definition of impossible

: not possible : incapable of being done, attained, or fulfilled a party's performance is impossible in part

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on impossible

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with impossible

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for impossible

Spanish Central: Translation of impossible

Nglish: Translation of impossible for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of impossible for Ar

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!