Impossible
/ɪmˈpɒsɪbəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsNot capable of being done or happening.
/ɪmˈpɒsɪbəl/
Not able to occur, exist, or be done.
It's impossible to predict the future with certainty.
💡 Simply: Think of it like trying to fly without a plane – it's just not gonna happen! It's something you can't do.
👶 For kids: Something that can't be done, like flying to the moon without a rocket.
More Examples
Climbing Mount Everest without oxygen seems almost impossible.
She thought finding her lost dog was impossible, but she never gave up.
How It's Used
"It is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light."
"It is mathematically impossible to trisect an angle using only a compass and straightedge."
"It seems impossible to finish all my tasks today."
A thing that is not possible.
/ɪmˈpɒsɪbəl/
Something that cannot be achieved or done.
The scientists worked tirelessly to overcome the impossible.
💡 Simply: A thing that's just never going to happen, no matter how hard you try.
👶 For kids: Something that can't be done.
More Examples
She refused to believe in the impossible, always seeking a logical explanation.
Achieving world peace might seem impossible to some, but others keep striving for it.
How It's Used
"He treated the impossible as if it were merely a minor challenge."
Idioms & expressions
the impossible dream
A goal or aspiration that seems unachievable.
"He dedicated his life to pursuing the impossible dream of finding a cure for the disease."
From Middle English *impossible*, from Old French *impossible*, from Latin *impossibilis* ('not possible'), from *in-* ('not') + *possibilis* ('possible').
The word 'impossible' has been in use since the 14th century, originally in the same sense as it is today, conveying an inability to be done or experienced.
Memory tip
Imagine a brick wall. Anything that stops you from going forward is impossible.