fundamentally impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamentally impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be achieved or is inherently unfeasible due to its nature. Example: "Given the laws of physics, time travel is fundamentally impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

That is fundamentally impossible.

The New York Times

Of course, these transformations are fundamentally impossible.

The New York Times - Books

"The job is fundamentally impossible," Mr. Taylor says.

The New York Times

It is fundamentally impossible to trace the narrative path through the porous layers of storytelling, but that seems to be part of Mr. Breuer's intent.

The New York Times

But that advance could eventually be used for encryption techniques that are fundamentally impossible to break and for building computers that employ quantum mechanical principles to dash through their calculations.

The New York Times - Science

A far more difficulty is the linearization of the pump speed which is fundamentally impossible.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

MANY critics contend that Amazon has fundamentally picked an impossible proposition.

The New York Times

Fundamentally worker safety is impossible without meaningful worker empowerment.

The Guardian

He gently criticized those skeptics who had said that it was impossible to fundamentally change the size and composition of the Iowa-caucus electorate.

The New Yorker

As eager as Colonel Qaddafi and Libyans are to rejoin the contemporary world, to just become a normal country, they are likely to be frustrated as long as it remains impossible to fundamentally reform the system imposed by Libya's absolute ruler.

The New York Times

The clause implies, fundamentally, that it is impossible to approach atmospheres in the past, at least the past located before living memory.

Emotion, Space and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamentally impossible" when emphasizing that something is not achievable due to its core nature or inherent constraints. This phrase adds a layer of depth, indicating that the impossibility is not just circumstantial but deeply rooted.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamentally impossible" for situations that are merely difficult or challenging. Reserve it for scenarios where the impossibility stems from intrinsic factors, not just external obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamentally impossible" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It signifies that something is not merely difficult but inherently unachievable, due to its foundational nature. Ludwig AI shows examples where this phrase is used to describe tasks, transformations, or even concepts that are beyond the realm of possibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamentally impossible" is a powerful way to express that something is not just difficult, but inherently unachievable due to its core nature. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. It appears commonly in news, media, and scientific discussions, indicating that it's suitable for a broad audience. When writing, remember to reserve "fundamentally impossible" for scenarios where the impossibility stems from intrinsic factors, not just external obstacles. Alternatives include "inherently unattainable" and "intrinsically unachievable", but "fundamentally impossible" is suitable when a deeply rooted reason underlies the impossibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherently unattainable

Focuses on the inherent nature preventing achievement.

intrinsically unachievable

Highlights the intrinsic qualities making achievement impossible.

absolutely unfeasible

Emphasizes the complete impracticality.

patently unrealizable

Stresses the obvious impossibility of realization.

categorically unachievable

Highlights impossibility due to categorization or classification.

utterly out of the question

Indicates that something is completely not worth considering.

basically insurmountable

Emphasizes that a problem cannot be overcome.

essentially undoable

Highlights the basic characteristic of being impossible to do.

plainly not viable

Focuses on the lack of practical applicability or sustainability.

completely not feasible

Highlights the unsuitability or impracticality.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamentally impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamentally impossible" to describe something that cannot be achieved due to its inherent nature. For example, "Given the laws of physics, perpetual motion is "fundamentally impossible"."

What are some alternatives to "fundamentally impossible"?

Alternatives include "inherently unattainable", "intrinsically unachievable", or "absolutely unfeasible", depending on the specific context.

Is there a subtle difference between "inherently impossible" and "fundamentally impossible"?

While similar, "fundamentally impossible" often implies a deeper, more foundational reason for the impossibility, whereas "inherently impossible" focuses more on the intrinsic qualities of the subject. Both can be used, but consider the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "fundamentally impossible" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when discussing scientific, philosophical, or theoretical concepts where the impossibility is not due to practical limitations, but rather due to the underlying principles or laws governing the situation.