possibility

noun

pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

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

Synonyms

• capability
• eventuality
• potential
• potentiality
• prospect

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

In March, a California Judge will decide whether to commute the brothers sentences' of life in prison without the possibility of parole, potentially paving the way for their release. —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025

Zero Day certainly depicts a frightening possibility, so what is a zero day as described in the Netflix series? —Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Quite frankly, the deal between the Mets and Alonso felt forced and there is a high possibility Alonso revisits the free agent market prior to the 2026 season to seek more money and the Blue Jays would be able to afford his asking price. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

Lyle and Erik Menendez were sentenced to two consecutive life prison terms without the possibility of parole. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing possibility

• beyond/outside the bounds of possibility
• outside the range/realm of possibility
• raise the possibility
• within the bounds of possibility
• within the range/realm of possibility

Kids Definition

possibility

noun

pos·​si·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpäs-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural possibilities

1

: the state or fact of being possible

2

: something possible