possibility

possibility — noun

1. the quality of not being impossible — used when the outcome of a situation is st

1.nounB1
Definition

the quality of not being impossible — used when the outcome of a situation is still unknown and could go either way.

Example

There is a strong possibility that Talia will get the job she applied for.

there is ... possibility + that-clause

The possibility of rain made Vinícius bring an umbrella to the game.

possibility of + noun

Common collocations
  • strong possibility
  • real possibility
  • distinct possibility
  • raise the possibility
  • rule out the possibility
  • consider the possibility
  • discuss the possibility
Synonyms
  • chance

    Most common and informal; often interchangeable with possibility in everyday speech

  • likelihood

    Slightly more formal and neutral; used when assessing how probable something is

  • prospect

    Often implies a future event that is hoped for or expected, not just possible

  • probability

    More mathematical or scientific tone; suggests a measurable degree of certainty

Antonyms
  • impossibility

    The opposite — something that cannot happen or be true

  • certainty

    A situation in which there is no doubt about the outcome

Grammar Patterns

there is/are + (adjective) + possibility + that-clause

the possibility of + noun / gerund

verb + the possibility + that-clause

Usage Note

Often used with 'there is/are' to introduce an uncertain outcome. Common in news reports and everyday conversation about future events.

Common Mistakes

There is a possibility to rain tomorrow.
There is a possibility of rain tomorrow.
After 'possibility,' use 'of' + noun or 'that' + clause, not 'to' + infinitive.
There is no possibility of him to come.
There is no possibility that he will come.
Use a that-clause instead of an infinitive after a person.

2. a choice that you have among several options when you find yourself in a situati

2.nounB1
Definition

a choice that you have among several options when you find yourself in a situation that requires a decision.

Example

Moving to a bigger city is one possibility that Hao and his wife discussed.

one possibility + that-clause for listing options

The committee listed three possibilities for the new park design last week.

listed [number] possibilities

Common collocations
  • explore possibilities
  • consider possibilities
  • list possibilities
  • various possibilities
  • open up possibilities
Synonyms
  • option

    Closest synonym; slightly more concrete, suggesting a specific item on a list of choices

  • choice

    Emphasises the act of selecting; less formal and more common in everyday speech

  • alternative

    Often implies a choice between two options, though also used for multiple

Grammar Patterns

number + possibilities

possibility of + gerund

have / consider / explore / list + possibilities

Usage Note

Frequently appears with numbers (two possibilities, several possibilities) or as the object of verbs like 'consider', 'discuss', 'explore', and 'list'.

Common Mistakes

We need to discuss about the possibilities.
We need to discuss the possibilities.
The verb 'discuss' does not take 'about' before its object.
I have two possibilities to go there.
I have two possibilities for going there.
Use 'for' + gerund, not 'to' + infinitive, after 'possibilities' in this sense.

3. the qualities of a person, thing, or situation that suggest it could become bett

3.nounB2
Definition

the qualities of a person, thing, or situation that suggest it could become better, more successful, or more interesting in the future.

Example

The old house has many possibilities if someone takes time to fix it up.

has possibilities — potential for development

Sophia sees great possibilities in the young artist's early sketches and paintings.

Common collocations
  • endless possibilities
  • enormous possibilities
  • creative possibilities
  • possibilities for growth
  • possibilities for improvement
  • full of possibilities
Synonyms
  • potential

    The closest synonym; 'potential' is usually uncountable, while 'possibilities' is plural

  • promise

    Suggests a positive expectation of future success, often in creative or personal contexts

  • capability

    Focuses more on the practical ability to achieve something rather than the general prospect

Antonyms
  • dead end

    A situation with no potential for further development or progress

Grammar Patterns

have / show / offer + possibilities

possibilities for + noun

full of possibilities

Usage Note

Almost always used in the plural when referring to future potential. The singular form with this meaning is rare and risks confusion with sense 1.

Common Mistakes

The idea has a lot of possibility.
The idea has a lot of possibilities.
In the sense of future potential, the plural 'possibilities' is the standard form.
This city has many possibility.
This city has many possibilities.
After 'many', always use the plural countable noun 'possibilities'.
Idioms

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Chance is the most general and informal word, used in everyday conversation about uncertain outcomes ('a chance of rain'). Likelihood is slightly more formal and neutral, common in data-driven or analytical writing ('the likelihood of success is high'). Probability carries a mathematical or scientific tone, used when uncertainty can be measured ('the probability of rolling a six is one in six'). Prospect often implies a future outcome that is hoped for or expected, giving it a slightly more positive feel ('a job prospect'). While possibility simply says something is not impossible, probability suggests it is more likely than not. In everyday speech, chance and possibility are often interchangeable, but probability and likelihood belong to more careful or technical contexts.

chance ↗likelihood ↗probability ↗prospect ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • there is a possibility that

Prepositions

  • possibility of

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Possibility comes from the Latin word 'possibilitas', which was formed from 'posse' meaning 'to be able'. It entered English through Old French 'possibilité' in the 14th century. The '-ity' suffix turns the adjective 'possible' into a noun, giving English a word that has expressed the idea of uncertain outcomes for more than 600 years.