possibility

noun

pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural possibilities

1

: the condition or fact of being possible

2

archaic : one's utmost power, capacity, or ability

3

: something that is possible

4

: potential or prospective value

—usually used in plural

the house had great possibilities

Synonyms

• capability
• eventuality
• potential
• potentiality
• prospect

Examples of possibility in a Sentence

There is a strong possibility that I will not be chosen for the job.

Have you considered the possibility that you may be wrong?

My first two ideas didn't work, but I thought of a third possibility.

The future holds untold possibilities.

His degree and job experience give him a wide range of possibilities for a career.

a man of undetermined possibilities

The old house might not look like much now, but it has possibilities.

Recent Examples on the Web

The surprise Kentucky Derby champion Mystik Dan failed to keep the possibility of a Triple Crown success alive after finishing second at the Preakness Stakes last month. —Ben Church, CNN, 9 June 2024

Well, Sudan has the real possibility of becoming the world's largest humanitarian crisis. —CBS News, 9 June 2024

For many Americans, jury duty is a constant possibility as endless court cases pass through the legal system and jurors are needed to listen to and consider all the evidence. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2024

None of the economists said there is much likelihood that the next rate move will be higher — an outcome occasionally mentioned as a possibility by officials such as Minneapolis Fed chief Neel Kashkari. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 8 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing possibility

• beyond/outside the bounds of possibility
• outside the range/realm of possibility
• raise the possibility
• within the bounds of possibility
• within the range/realm of possibility

Kids Definition

possibility

noun

pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpäs-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural possibilities

1

: the state or fact of being possible

2

: something possible