possibility

[ pos-uh-bil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural pos·si·bil·i·ties

1. the state or fact of being possible:

   the possibility of error.

   Synonyms: odds, likelihood, prospect, chance

2. something possible:

   He had exhausted every possibility but one.

possibility

/ ˌpɒsɪˈbɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being possible
2. anything that is possible
3. a competitor, candidate, etc, who has a moderately good chance of winning, being chosen, etc
4. often plural a future prospect or potential

   my new house has great possibilities

Word History and Origins

Origin of possibility¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English possibilite, from Late Latin possibilitās, from Latin possibil(is) possible + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats may seek to force a vote on Stabenow’s proposal, keeping the possibility of movement alive — if only faintly.

From Salon

“It’s becoming a real possibility,” one source said; “The general feeling is Pete hasn’t been honest,” said the other.

From Salon

The use of the new possibilities of machine learning is key here.

From Science Daily

The nature of this interaction leads to infinite possibilities for light to exist and propagate, or travel, through its surrounding environment.

From Science Daily

In addition, the Legislature should give voters another opportunity to do away with the constitutional exception, particularly given the possibility that the language of Proposition 6 could have been clearer.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• action
• circumstance
• hazard
• hope
• incident
• opportunity
• probability
• prospect
• risk