possibility

noun

pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce possibility (audio)
plural possibilities
1
: the condition or fact of being possible
There is a strong/real/remote/faint possibility that I'll get the job.
usually used with of
the possibility of rain today
It is not outside the range/realm of possibility that we'll win.
2
archaic : one's utmost power, capacity, or ability
3
: something that is possible
Rain is a possibility today.
The future holds untold possibilities.
We exhausted all the possibilities. [=we did everything we could think of]
4
: potential or prospective value
usually used in plural
the house had great possibilities

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
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.
Noam Chomsky, José Mujica, and Saúl Alvídrez discuss the future’s perils and possibilities. Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025 Adam Fogelson, chair of the studio’s movie division, on the analyst call discussed whether the biopic will expand across two features, as now seems a strong possibility. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025 In terms of what’s next, the duo hinted at a weight management offering coming at the beginning of 2026, as well as possibilities for additional formats. Emily Burns, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025 Now, add into the mix the possibility that the government shutdown could extend until then. Juliana Kim, NPR, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for possibility

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Possibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possibility. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

possibility

noun
pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpäs-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce possibility (audio)
plural possibilities
1
: the state or fact of being possible
2
: something possible

More from Merriam-Webster on possibility

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