impossibility

noun

im·​pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty (ˌ)im-ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being impossible

2

: something impossible

Examples of impossibility in a Sentence

The blizzard made travel an impossibility.

the impossibility of knowing what the future will bring

Recent Examples on the Web

The result is a unique admixture—historical horror paired with a rich meditation on the impossibility of portraying it—that only Panh could make. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2025

There’s an impossibility to let that go, and that’s when the stakes get so high. —Kristen Tauer, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025

But both arguments speak to the impossibility of either version of Mark feeling truly whole and happy. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2025

The soundness arises from the impossibility of changing the supply schedule. —Korok Ray, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

impossibility

noun

im·​pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty (ˌ)im-ˌpäs-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural impossibilities

1

: the quality or state of being impossible

2

: something impossible

Legal Definition

impossibility

noun

im·​pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty

plural impossibilities

1

: the quality or state of being impossible

also : the affirmative defense that something (as performance) is impossible

2

: something impossible

3

: impossibility of performance in this entry

— factual impossibility

: impossibility based on factual circumstances

specifically : a partial defense to criminal liability based on the incompletion of an intended criminal act

Note: Factual impossibility is not a complete defense and does allow prosecution for attempt or for another inchoate offense. For example, if the defendant constructed a bomb that failed to explode, factual impossibility would be a defense against murder charges, but not attempted murder.

— impossibility of performance

: a doctrine in contract law that a party may be released from liability for breach of contract for failing to perform an obligation that is rendered impossible by uncontrollable circumstances (as death or failure of the means of delivery)

: a defense to breach of contract or a basis for release from contractual obligations because of impossibility of performance compare frustration, impracticability

— legal impossibility

: impossibility based on or with reference to a law

specifically : a complete defense to criminal liability based on the commitment of acts that are not criminal or illegal

Note: Legal impossibility is founded on the principle that an act is not a crime unless there is a law prohibiting it.