possibility

[pos-uh-bil-i-tee]

noun

plural

possibilities 

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

The architects of the internet don’t appear to have contemplated the possibility that anyone would seek to monetize IP addresses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And there is still the possibility of a final appeal via the courts.

Read more on BBC

Markets continue to digest the possibility of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Not only has she grieved him her whole life, but she’s grieved the possibility of all they could’ve been.

Read more on Salon

On Saturday a developing weather system will sweep across England and Wales bringing heavy rain and the possibility of strengthening winds.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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