Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

the impossible

noun

Definition of the impossible

: something that cannot be done or that is very difficult
  • Expecting people to do a good job in such a short time is asking the impossible.

Word by Word Definitions

impossible play

  1. : incapable of being or of occurring

  2. : felt to be incapable of being done, attained, or fulfilled : insuperably difficult

  3. : extremely undesirable : unacceptable

See the full definition of impossible

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up the impossible? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games