impossibility

noun

im·​pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty (ˌ)im-ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce impossibility (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being impossible
2
: something impossible

Examples of impossibility in a Sentence

The blizzard made travel an impossibility. the impossibility of knowing what the future will bring
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But of course, for Messi, impossibility is not a consideration. —Jacob Whitehead, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 There is a certain impossibility and also a certain absence implied in Christian belief. —Jason Parham, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2025 State of play: What once fell somewhere between an impossibility and a hail mary is now within reach for Nashville. —Nate Rau, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025 The sentence, a rare and lenient alternative to jail or probation, reflected the practical and constitutional impossibility of jailing a president-elect. —Ben Protess, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impossibility

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of impossibility was in the 14th century

Rhymes for impossibility

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Browse Nearby Words

impossibility
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Cite this Entry

“Impossibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impossibility. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

impossibility

noun
im·​pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty (ˌ)im-ˌpäs-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce impossibility (audio)
plural impossibilities
1
: the quality or state of being impossible
2
: something impossible

Legal Definition

impossibility

noun
im·​pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty
plural impossibilities
1
: the quality or state of being impossible
also : the affirmative defense that something (as performance) is impossible
2
: something impossible
3
: impossibility of performance in this entry
— factual impossibility
: impossibility based on factual circumstances
specifically : a partial defense to criminal liability based on the incompletion of an intended criminal act

Note: Factual impossibility is not a complete defense and does allow prosecution for attempt or for another inchoate offense. For example, if the defendant constructed a bomb that failed to explode, factual impossibility would be a defense against murder charges, but not attempted murder.

— impossibility of performance
: a doctrine in contract law that a party may be released from liability for breach of contract for failing to perform an obligation that is rendered impossible by uncontrollable circumstances (as death or failure of the means of delivery)
: a defense to breach of contract or a basis for release from contractual obligations because of impossibility of performance compare frustration, impracticability
— legal impossibility
: impossibility based on or with reference to a law
specifically : a complete defense to criminal liability based on the commitment of acts that are not criminal or illegal

Note: Legal impossibility is founded on the principle that an act is not a crime unless there is a law prohibiting it.

More from Merriam-Webster on impossibility

Nglish: Translation of impossibility for Spanish Speakers

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