impossible

Word parts

im- + possible

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ɪmˈpɒsəbl/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ɪmˈpɑsəbl/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: im‧pos‧si‧ble

Adjective

Positive impossible

Comparative more impossible

Superlative most impossible

1. If something is impossible it cannot happen or cannot be done.
   • Antonym: possible

   It is impossible for people to breathe water.

   It's impossible for one man to build a whole city in one day.

   That shot is impossible, no one could hit the target from here.

2. (informal) If a person is impossible they refuse to agree or to be peaceful.

   No point arguing with you! You're just impossible!

Usage

Some people object to the idea of something being "more impossible". They argue that something is either possible or not. Nevertheless, many people use and understand "more impossible".