impossible

adjective

im·​pos·​si·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈpä-sə-bəl 

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

Synonyms

• hopeless
• insoluble
• insolvable
• insuperable
• unattainable
• undoable
• unrealizable
• unsolvable

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

Very broad LLMs that try to answer all possible end-user queries, utilizing massive datasets can be impossible to tame in all 4 key dimensions. —Tor Constantino, Mba, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Because for nearly a decade, it’s been almost impossible to change the belief and vote of a certain kind of voter — the type ensnared by the right-wing propaganda woven into the cult of Trump. —Natasha Stoynoff, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024

But to completely shift focus away from the region is impossible without handing it over to Iran. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Some exceptions: Aaron Sorkin dons more formal shirts, ties and chinos; Wes Anderson’s preppy college blazers are his signature look; Gus Van Sant is partial to oversized hoodies; while Taika Waititi is impossible to predict. —Merle Ginsberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing impossible

• the impossible

Kids Definition

impossible

adjective

im·​pos·​si·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈpäs-ə-bəl 

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