possibility
noun
pos·si·bil·i·ty
ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
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 ofthe 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
Wallace’s magnificent Central America in the Crosshairs of War offers an indispensable account of what brought us to this moment, when such an outcome could even seem a possibility.
—
Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 2025
Seasons two and three were filmed largely back-to-back with a short gap in between so there’s a high possibility that Hulu orders seasons four and five together.
—Peter White, Deadline, 13 Nov. 2025
An attorney for historian and activist Marvin Dunn — who is bringing the lawsuit against the College — said the ruling signals the higher court is open to the possibility that the college broke the law.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
If eventually tried and convicted as charged, Boodarian could face the death penalty or a possible maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possibility
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Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 2025
Seasons two and three were filmed largely back-to-back with a short gap in between so there’s a high possibility that Hulu orders seasons four and five together.
—Peter White, Deadline, 13 Nov. 2025
An attorney for historian and activist Marvin Dunn — who is bringing the lawsuit against the College — said the ruling signals the higher court is open to the possibility that the college broke the law.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
If eventually tried and convicted as charged, Boodarian could face the death penalty or a possible maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for possibility
Cite this Entry
“Possibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possibility. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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