possibility

noun

pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce possibility (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The sequel features a living world rich with possibilities and places a heavy emphasis on story, role-playing elements, and player freedom. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 9 June 2025 And a time before unlimited texting was even a possibility, the DS wireless capability turned the Pictochat feature into an unlimited place for discussion and connection between friends. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025 The Office of the Pardon Attorney and the White House continue to process thousands of applications, with the possibility of further high-profile pardons under active review. Peter Aitken alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025 As residents attempted to clean up the damage Friday morning, NWS warned of another round of severe thunderstorms in the evening with the possibility for wind gusts up to 90 mph, hail up to softball size, localized flash flooding, and tornadoes. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for possibility

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of possibility was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Possibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possibility. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

possibility

noun
pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpäs-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce possibility (audio)
plural possibilities
1
: the state or fact of being possible
2
: something possible

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