possibility
Pluralpossibilities
- 1Something that could happen or could be done.
Like one road among many that you could travel.
A delay is a possibility, so leave home early.
With those dark clouds, rain is a real possibility today.
UsageWe often say something is a real possibility.
Similarcontingency
- 2One of the choices you could pick for the future.
Like one dish you can pick from a menu.
Going to college is just one possibility after high school.
We listed all the possibilities before choosing a plan.
Similaroption, choice, alternative
- 3The fact that something might be true or might happen.
Like an open door: it shows something can happen, even if it has not yet.
There is little possibility of rain today, so leave the umbrella.
Scientists could not rule out the possibility of life on other planets.
UsageSay the possibility of rain, or the possibility that it will rain.
Similarchance, likelihood, prospect, risk, probability
Oppositeimpossibility, certainty
- 4Good things about something that could make it better or more successful if you work on them.
The old house needs a lot of work, but it has possibilities.
The coach saw real possibilities in the shy new player.
UsageSomething has possibilities, or you see possibilities in it.
Similarpotential, promise, prospects
Note
Less common meaning
- 5The power or strength to do something.
VVere Iacke Strawe a liue againe, And I in as good poſſibility as euer I was, I would lay a ſurer trumpe, Ere I would loſe ſo faire a tricke.
1593, anonymous author, The Life and Death of Iacke StrawHere, possibility means power or strength to act.Note
Practice
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Origin
It comes from Latin, from a word meaning "possible." It reached English through French.
Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- The word ultimately comes from Latin possibilis, meaning "possible." en.wiktionary.org
- The word reached English through French. en.wiktionary.org