Words / A2

im-POS-uh-bl/ɪmˈpɒsəbl/

Impossible means it cannot be done or cannot happen: it is impossible to + verb, an impossible task, almost impossible. Possible is the opposite; difficult still allows success. Impossibility is a rare noun at this level. Do not say “impossible that I do” — use it is impossible to finish or it is impossible that he will come.

Meaning

Not able to be done or to happen.

Examples

• “It is impossible to finish this in five minutes.”
• “Parking here is impossible after five.”
• “It is impossible to please everybody.”

Good to know

it is impossible to + verb. Opposite: possible. Weaker: difficult.

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