Impossible definition | Dictionary.com

Synonyms

impracticable, impractical, unthinkable, insufferable, intolerable, balky, difficult, froward, ornery, perverse, wayward, absurd

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Impossible - 6 dictionary results

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im⋅pos⋅si⋅ble

[im-pos-uh-buh

–adjective

1.	not possible; unable to be, exist, happen, etc.

2.	unable to be done, performed, effected, etc.: an impossible assignment.

3.	incapable of being true, as a rumor.

4.	not to be done, endured, etc., with any degree of reason or propriety: an impossible situation.

5.	utterly impracticable: an impossible plan.

6.	hopelessly unsuitable, difficult, or objectionable.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME < L impossibilis. See im- ² , possible

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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Language Translation for : Impossible

Spanish:

imposible,

German:

unmöglich,

Japanese:

不可能な

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im·pos·si·ble (ĭm-pŏs'ə-bəl) Pronunciation Key
adj.

Incapable of having existence or of occurring.
Not capable of being accomplished: an impossible goal.
Unacceptable; intolerable: impossible behavior.
Extremely difficult to deal with or tolerate: an impossible child; an impossible situation.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin impossibilis : in-, not; see in-¹ + possibilis, possible; see possible.]
im·pos'si·bly adv.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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impossible
adjective
1.	not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with; "an impossible dream"; "an impossible situation" [ant: possible]
2.	totally unlikely
3.	used of persons or their behavior; "impossible behavior"; "insufferable insolence"
noun
1.	something that cannot be done; "his assignment verged on the impossible"

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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Main Entry: im·pos·si·ble
Function: adjective
: not possible : incapable of being done, attained, or fulfilled impossible in part>

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Impossible

Im*pos"si*ble\, a. [F., fr. L. impossibilis; pref. im- not + possibilis possible. See Possible.] Not possible; incapable of being done, of existing, etc.; unattainable in the nature of things, or by means at command; insuperably difficult under the circumstances; absurd or impracticable; not feasible.

With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. --Matt. xix. 26.

Without faith it is impossible to please him. --Heb. xi. 6.

Impossible quantity (Math.), an imagnary quantity. See Imaginary.

Syn: See Impracticable.

Impossible

Im*pos"si*ble\, n. An impossibility. [Obs.]

"Madam," quoth he, "this were an impossible!" --Chaucer.