mission impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

"Mission Impossible" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a task that appears to be highly difficult, if not impossible, to achieve, especially when describing a task that is beyond the capabilities of a particular person or group. For example, "The new project involves a lot of complex tasks, so it's beginning to feel like a mission impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mission: impossible.

The New York Times

It's all very "Mission: Impossible".

The New York Times

Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol?

The Guardian - Film

"It's almost mission impossible.

The Guardian - Sport

And "Mission: Impossible IV".

The New York Times

RICHARD BRODY: I liked Mission: Impossible, too.

The New Yorker

It might simply be mission impossible.

The New York Times

"Mission impossible", says one senior official.

The Economist

He jokingly calls the timetable "Mission: Impossible".

The New York Times

'Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation' opens on Friday.

Independent

My head says: Mission impossible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal reports, consider using more descriptive alternatives like "insurmountable challenge" if you want to avoid pop-culture references.

Common error

Writers often use "mission impossible" when they actually mean that a task is simply very difficult. If there is a legitimate, albeit small, chance of success, consider using "mission improbable" or a "calculated risk" to maintain accuracy and avoid overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mission impossible" functions primarily as a noun phrase or an adjectival complement. In many contexts, it acts as a predicate nominative after a linking verb, such as 'is' or 'becomes'. According to Ludwig AI, it is standard for describing a task that appears highly difficult or beyond human capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Social Media

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "mission impossible" is a robust and widely accepted phrase used to denote tasks of extreme difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and commonly used expression in written English. While it began as a specific title, it has evolved into a general idiom for any objective that seems unattainable. It is most effective in News & Media contexts where a touch of dramatic emphasis is desired. When using it, remember to distinguish between true impossibility and mere difficulty to ensure your writing remains precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near-impossible feat

Softens the absolute nature of 'impossible' by suggesting a tiny margin for success

herculean task

Emphasizes the massive effort and strength required rather than just the difficulty

insurmountable challenge

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a barrier that cannot be overcome

uphill battle

Focuses on the continuous struggle and difficulty of the process

tall order

Idiomatic way to describe an unreasonable or very difficult request

daunting undertaking

Highlights the psychological intimidation or fear caused by the task's difficulty

Sisyphean task

Refers to a task that is not only difficult but also endless and futile

mission improbable

Implies that while success is unlikely, it is not strictly impossible

lost cause

Suggests that effort has already been spent and success is now definitively out of reach

fools errand

Adds a connotation of mockery, implying the person attempting the task is unwise

FAQs

How to use "mission impossible" in a sentence?

You can use it as a noun phrase to describe a situation, for example: "Balancing the budget this year feels like a "mission impossible" for the committee."

What can I say instead of "mission impossible"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "herculean task", "tall order" or "uphill battle".

Is "mission impossible" considered formal English?

It is widely used in journalism and business contexts (Neutral register), but it may be considered too informal for highly academic or legal documents where more precise terms like "untenable objective" are preferred.

What is the difference between "mission impossible" and a "tall order"?

While both describe difficulty, a "tall order" implies a difficult request or expectation, whereas "mission impossible" suggests that success is fundamentally unachievable.