impossible

adjective

im·​pos·​si·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈpä-sə-bəl How to pronounce impossible (audio)
1
a
: incapable of being or of occurring
b
: felt to be incapable of being done, attained, or fulfilled : insuperably difficult
an impossible deadline
2
a
: extremely undesirable : unacceptable
b
: extremely awkward or difficult to deal with
the actor was impossible on the set
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.
Recent Examples on the Web But whether the death of the wife of a prominent Hollywood agent’s son was the result of being shot, hit in the head, suffocated or even beheaded is impossible to determine, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 Stories well up out of that contradictory space—the desire to love and be loved meeting up with how impossible that work is. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2024 As an outstanding dancer in all genres, Jordyn is impossible to ignore in performances. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 For someone without easy access, making $32,000 a year, such a regimen is likely to be impossible, Fakorede said. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024 Politicians routinely entertain what-ifs, which are impossible to prove or rebut with certainty. Angelo Fichera, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 If this proves to be impossible, then get outside help with your anxiety and grief. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 While utilizing authentic Japanese instruments, the music takes a very modern approach that applies today’s technology and advanced sonic manipulation in ways that were impossible four decades ago. Jon Burlingame, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Glad-handing is a competitive sport, one that’s all but impossible to win with both paws buried in a seafood tower. Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impossible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near impossible

Cite this Entry

“Impossible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impossible. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impossible

adjective
im·​pos·​si·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈpäs-ə-bəl How to pronounce impossible (audio)
1
a
: incapable of being or of occurring
b
: very difficult : hopeless
an impossible situation
2
: very bad or unpleasant
an impossible person
impossibly
-blē
adverb

Legal Definition

impossible

adjective
im·​pos·​si·​ble
: not possible : incapable of being done, attained, or fulfilled
a party's performance is impossible in part

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