nears impossibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nears impossibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is becoming increasingly difficult or unlikely to achieve. Example: "The project has faced so many setbacks that its completion now nears impossibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trading Marbury is a near impossibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Not to enjoy it must be a near impossibility.

Independent

One natural limitation is its steep, rocky terrain, which makes large-scale subdivisions a near impossibility.

The New York Times

That has been a near impossibility for Mets starters this season.

The New York Times - Sports

The near impossibility of air travel, Ms. Gregoli said, has also thrown up logistical obstacles.

The New York Times - Style

But trading Curry is a near impossibility as long as he is idle and aching.

The New York Times - Sports

(Hence the phrase "random walk," to connote the near impossibility of beating the market regularly).

The New York Times

What Norris calls "administrative expediency" also affects access to bank accounts, without which renting becomes a near impossibility.

The Guardian

It didn't address the reality of most gay men, for whom finding a private space was a near impossibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

In doing so, it makes clear the near impossibility of generalizing about immigrants and the immigrant experience.

The New York Times

And they acknowledged that reviving the peace effort would be a near impossibility in the administration's remaining time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nears impossibility" to describe situations where an outcome is highly improbable but not definitively impossible. It's more nuanced than simply stating something is impossible.

Common error

Avoid using "nears impossibility" when the situation is already definitively impossible. The phrase suggests a high degree of unlikelihood, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nears impossibility" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun to indicate the degree to which a certain outcome or task is unlikely or difficult. Ludwig AI indicates that its use is grammatically correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nears impossibility" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a high degree of unlikelihood or difficulty, stopping short of absolute certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity. While examples are not high enough for statistical significance, the phrase is useful in professional or neutral registers where a nuanced assessment is required. Alternatives such as "approaches infeasibility" or "borders on the impossible" can provide similar meanings, depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, it's essential to ensure the situation genuinely approaches impossibility rather than being definitively impossible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaches infeasibility

Indicates something is moving closer to being unworkable or not practical; focuses more on practicality than absolute impossibility.

borders on the impossible

Suggests the situation is nearly impossible, emphasizing the difficulty and unlikelihood.

verges on being unattainable

Emphasizes that something is coming close to being impossible to reach or obtain; highlights aspirational goals.

almost unachievable

Directly states that something is nearly impossible to achieve.

virtually unattainable

Implies something is practically impossible to obtain, emphasizing the lack of practical opportunity.

approaching a dead end

Focuses on the sense of no progress or solution being possible, metaphorically like reaching the end of a road.

becoming unrealistic

Highlights the growing divergence from reality, focusing on feasibility in real-world contexts.

facing insurmountable obstacles

Focuses on the obstacles that make something nearly impossible; stresses challenges.

reaching a critical impasse

Stresses a point where progress is nearly impossible due to disagreement or deadlock.

nearing a standstill

Emphasizes a lack of movement or progress; often used in the context of negotiations or projects.

FAQs

How can I use "nears impossibility" in a sentence?

You can use "nears impossibility" to describe a situation that is becoming increasingly difficult or unlikely to achieve. For example: "The completion of the project now "nears impossibility" due to funding cuts."

What are some alternatives to "nears impossibility"?

Alternatives include phrases like "approaches infeasibility", "borders on the impossible", or "almost unachievable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "nears impossibility"?

Yes, "nears impossibility" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard pattern of a verb ("nears") modifying a noun ("impossibility").

When should I use "nears impossibility" instead of "is impossible"?

Use "nears impossibility" when you want to express that something is becoming highly unlikely or difficult, but not absolutely certain to be unachievable. It conveys a sense of diminishing possibility.