possibility

noun

pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural possibilities

1

: the condition or fact of being possible

2

archaic : one's utmost power, capacity, or ability

3

: something that is possible

4

: potential or prospective value

—usually used in plural

the house had great possibilities

Synonyms

• capability
• eventuality
• potential
• potentiality
• prospect

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

The list of possibilities runs the gamut from networks owned by Warner Bros Discovery or Paramount to stand-alone companies/JVs like AMC Networks and A&E Networks. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 21 Nov. 2024

Frolova-Walker and Walker, at the end of their book on the Shostakovich Fifth, entertain an enticing possibility: What if the work actually had nothing to do with Stalin? —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024

The prosecution in court recommended Ibarra be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, as did members of Riley’s family. —Eric Levenson, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024

Quantum thinking means seeing the interconnectedness of things, recognizing that multiple possibilities exist simultaneously and embracing uncertainty as part of the process. —Dr. Courtney L. Teague, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

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

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