impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

"impossible" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when something cannot be done, achieved, or understood. For example: "It is impossible to run a mile in under 60 seconds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems impossible.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's impossible.

The New York Times

Even Warren Hill, a man with an IQ of 70 who is diagnosed as mentally retarded by every doctor who has examined him, found it impossible to meet this standard of proof".

The Guardian

And, given that very unique responsibility that he has, it's simply impossible for him to continue in that role when such very major question marks are being raised about his financial affairs".

The Guardian

"The UWA vice chancellor found himself in an impossible position when the centre was used as a political football.

The Guardian

It's impossible to know.

The New York Times

"THE creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which".

The Economist

It's nearly impossible for consumers to evaluate how healthy a bank is.

The Economist

Technically, it should be absolutely impossible for two cars to enter the same block, which is down to sensors run by a computer.

The Guardian

While serious independent journalism remains nearly impossible in Iran, the bureau is able to provide original reporting through its extensive list of contacts both inside and outside the republic, and to bring the voices of ordinary people to an international audience.

The Guardian

"A defence review – it is not a hugely impossible concept to understand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impossible", ensure the context clearly indicates what is unattainable. Avoid overusing it to describe challenges that are merely difficult, not truly unachievable.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible" when "difficult" or "unlikely" would be more accurate. Overstating the impossibility can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The word "impossible" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is not possible or cannot be done. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a commonly used term to denote infeasibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impossible" is a versatile adjective used to describe something unattainable or unachievable. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in written English, indicating that it is grammatically correct and widely understood. With a "very common" frequency and consistent appearance across diverse sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist, "impossible" is a reliable term for expressing the infeasibility of an action or outcome. When using "impossible", consider alternative phrasing like "not feasible" or "out of the question" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not feasible

Indicates something is not practical or achievable, often due to constraints or limitations.

out of the question

Emphasizes that something is completely unacceptable or not allowed.

unachievable

Highlights the inability to reach a desired goal or outcome.

unrealistic

Suggests that something is not grounded in reality or practical considerations.

inconceivable

Indicates something is difficult to imagine or comprehend.

beyond reach

Implies that something is unattainable or inaccessible.

cannot be done

States directly that something is not able to be accomplished.

not a chance

Expresses strong disbelief that something will happen.

hopeless

Suggests a lack of possibility or optimism for a situation.

unlikely

Indicates a low probability of something occurring.

FAQs

How to use "impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "impossible" to describe something that cannot be done or achieved. For example, "It is "impossible" to be in two places at once."

What can I say instead of "impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "not feasible", "out of the question", or "unachievable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "impossible" or "unpossible"?

"Impossible" is the correct and standard term. "Unpossible" is a humorous or non-standard variation, often used for emphasis or comedic effect.

What's the difference between "impossible" and "difficult"?

"Impossible" means something cannot be done, while "difficult" means something requires significant effort or skill to achieve. Something difficult may be possible, but something "impossible" is not.