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 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

Synonyms of possibility

• potential
• prospect
• potentiality

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

But strategists say more time is needed to understand how long Trump will remain the proverbial head of the GOP as other politicians quietly prepare for the possibility of a 2028 presidential campaign. —Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 27 Nov. 2025

The designer plans to make Rococo an annual collection, with the possibility of expanding to twice yearly if demand warrants. —Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 27 Nov. 2025

Ayad, who recently opened a Dubai showroom in Dubai Design District (d3) explained how the city is full of possibilities for independent talent. —Hyku Desesto, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2025

These simple, nostalgic cookies leave lots of room for imagination thanks to their wide variety of shape possibilities. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

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
• range/realm of possibility
• within the bounds of possibility
• within the range/realm of possibility

Rhymes for possibility

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

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