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 agency issued severe thunderstorm warnings with the possibility of tornadoes in western Georgia and the northwestern tip of Florida directly above the Gulf of Mexico. —CBS News, 29 Dec. 2024

Some are quick to call for restrictions, while others race to embrace the possibilities. —Jessica A. Stansbury, Baltimore Sun, 29 Dec. 2024

Seeing the possibility of a different Supreme Court decision in the future, U.S. Rep.-elect Derek Schmidt says states and Congress should pursue proof-of-citizenship requirements. —John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024

The actor had a perfect (and brutally honest) response when asked about the possibility of a fifth film in the wildly successful John Wick franchise during a recent appearance on CBS Mornings. —Lauren Huff, EW.com, 27 Dec. 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