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 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

Longer hikes often require a minimum of six walkers due to the possibility of encountering aforementioned bears. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Video recordings and documents detail how investigators pursued the case, and the possibility of abuse, for months but failed to identify a perpetrator. — Amy Brittain, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026

Burnout is another possibility that falls somewhere between everyday stress and such disorders. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Given that matte white finishes are sometimes made out of enamel, scratches and chips are a possibility, Bennett shares. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 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