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 the Mavericks would prefer to trade Thompson than buy him out, and that could delay or eliminate this option for Miami unless Thompson pushes for a buyout in the weeks ahead, something that remains a possibility. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Still, people living near the border say the possibility of Belarus becoming more involved in Russia’s war remains a source of anxiety. — ABC News, 25 July 2026

The possibility of buying the equity back has been discussed by the league’s Board of Governors, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the league’s business. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Lastly, the judge will decide whether to sentence him to life with the possibility of parole or life without parole. — Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

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

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