Impossibility is spelled with the prefix "im-", meaning "not," followed by the root word "possibility." The word is pronounced /ɪmˌpɑsəˈbɪləti/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. The stress falls on the second syllable, with a short "i" sound in the first syllable and a longer "o" sound in the second. This word refers to something that cannot be done or achieved and is used frequently in conversations and debates, particularly in contexts related to business or politics.
Impossibility, noun. The state or condition of being impossible; an absolute lack of feasibility or practicality. It refers to something that cannot be accomplished or achieved due to inherent limitations, constraints, or lack of capabilities. Impossibility denotes an insurmountable obstacle, rendering the desired outcome unattainable or beyond the realm of possibility.
In a broader sense, impossibility refers to the occurrence or existence of events, circumstances, or situations that are deemed impossible based on logical reasoning, scientific laws, or human understanding. It embodies concepts that are contrary to the laws of nature or physics, thereby defying rational explanation or comprehension.
Impossibility can manifest in various forms, ranging from physical impossibility, where something violates the natural laws of the universe, to practical impossibility, where an endeavor cannot be achieved practically or within a reasonable amount of time or resources. It can also encompass conceptual impossibility, which entails contradictory or mutually exclusive ideas or statements that cannot coexist logically.
The notion of impossibility is often subjective and depends on the context, perspective, or available knowledge. What was once considered impossible may become possible with advancements in technology, innovation, or new discoveries. Nonetheless, impossibility generally implies a state of unattainability, highlighting the fundamental barriers or limitations that prevent the realization or fulfillment of a particular objective or goal.
That which cannot be done; state of being not feasible.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "impossibility" originated from the Old French word "impossibilite", which was derived from the Latin word "impossibilitas". The Latin word was formed by combining the prefix "im-" (meaning "not") with the word "possibilitas" (meaning "possibility"). This Latin term was itself derived from the verb "possibilis", meaning "possible". The term gradually evolved in Middle English as "impossibility" and has retained its meaning as something that cannot be done or achieved.