A21K

Impossible

UK /["/ɪmˈpɒsəbl/"]/US /["/ɪmˈpɑːsəbl/"]/

Definition

that cannot exist or be done; not possible

In simple words: Not able to happen or be done.

Examples

  • Climbing that mountain seems impossible without proper training.
  • It felt impossible to finish the puzzle in one day.
  • For some, the idea of flying is just impossible to accept.
  • He made it look impossible to solve the math problem, but I figured it out.
  • That task seemed impossible until I got some help.

Usage notes

Use 'impossible' to describe something that cannot be achieved. It’s suitable for both spoken and written English but may be too strong in polite contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Sounds like 'I'm possible' — think of a superhero proving that things thought impossible can happen.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • look
  • absolutely
  • completely
  • downright
  • for
  • be
  • become
  • find somebody
  • really
  • absolutely
  • completely

Synonyms

  • unachievable
  • impractical
  • insurmountable
  • inconceivable
  • hopeless

Antonyms

  • possible
  • feasible
  • achievable

Common mistakes

  • 'Impossible' is sometimes confused with 'unbelievable' but they are not the same.
  • Learners might use 'impossible' to describe very challenging tasks instead of things that cannot be done at all.
  • 'Impossible' is often incorrectly combined with less strong modifiers, like 'very impossible'.