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

There’s always a possibility that, in these troubled times, escapist blockbusters like Wicked, Gladiator II, and Dune: Part Two will find favor with a demoralized and weary audience. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024

Another possibility is the telescope doesn’t identify a ninth planet but finds more distant objects than what was previously known. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024

Harris stepped up to take Biden’s place just weeks before the Democratic National Convention, holding off the high-profile members of her party with their own presidential ambitions and the possibility of an open convention. —Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

What makes a Chiefs vs. Lions clash at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans such a tantalizing possibility is the two respective histories. —Ben Morse, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024

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