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

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

For many residents who are still bearing the scars of last year's floods, the possibility of a repeat has created huge unease.

From BBC

However, South Africa, Australia, Scotland and Argentina's sides are among those open to overseas stars, raising the possibility that, for them, a lucrative sideline in a ratified R360 could co-exist with a Test career.

From BBC

In a family fallout riddled with mistrust and rancour, the two camps stayed very tight lipped about the possibility of a meeting.

From BBC

Steers has vowed to try to stop Moon Camp from moving forward, and is exploring the possibility of trying to buy the land — with a local land trust — and conserve it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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