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

Chairman David Sullivan is more likely to give someone a game or two extra rather than act when there is still a possibility the situation might be pulled round.

From BBC

"I'm very excited about the possibility for all of us. Not just at London City Lionesses, Washington Spirit or Lyon, but for all of us in women's football."

From BBC

Boos could be heard inside the stadium as fans contemplated the possibility of the Bruins falling to a second Mountain West Conference opponent in a six-day span.

From Los Angeles Times

"Minutes count at that point. So waiting nine hours is decreasing the possibility of finding a person in the water."

From BBC

There is a risk of surface water flooding and difficult driving conditions with the possibility of drains blocked by leaves, in part due to the false autumn leading to early leaf fall.

From BBC

Related Words

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