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possibility

B1
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /pˌɒsəbˈɪlɪti/

US

  • /ˌpɑsəˈbɪləˌti/

Description

A possibility is the chance that something could happen—it is not certain, but it has not been ruled out either. Think of a detective investigating a crime; they explore every possibility to find the truth. Or imagine you are deciding what to have for dinner—there are many possibilities!

The word hints at potential. A "small possibility" means something is unlikely, while a "strong possibility" suggests it is quite probable. You might say, "There is a possibility of rain tomorrow," meaning it might rain. It can also refer to an option or alternative: "We discussed all the possibilities before making a decision." Sometimes, you will hear about a "slim possibility," which means something is unlikely but not impossible.

Examples

  1. 1

    Moving plans

    A move to Canada is still a possibility, but we haven't decided yet.

  2. 2

    Scheduling

    Is there any possibility of changing the meeting to Friday?

    • Pattern

      possibility of + -ing

      chance that it can happen

  3. 3

    Price changes

    There's a real possibility that prices will rise again this summer.

    • Pattern

      possibility that + clause

      chance that a whole situation may happen

  4. 4

    Mistake risk

    We can't ignore the possibility of a mistake in the report.

  5. 5

    Investigation

    The police have not ruled out the possibility that the fire was started on purpose.

    • Phrase

      rule out the possibility

      decide that something is not possible

  6. 6

    Unlikely outcome

    It's possible, but I think it's only a remote possibility.

    • Phrase

      a remote possibility

      something that could happen, but probably will not

  7. 7

    New opportunities

    The new job opened up possibilities I had never considered before.

    • Meaning

      possibilities

      chances to do new or different things

  8. 8

    Planning choices

    Before we choose a plan, let's look at all the possibilities.

  9. 9

    Business goal

    Winning the contract is within the realm of possibility, but it won't be easy.

    • Phrase

      within the realm of possibility

      possible, though not certain

See also

nounsomething that may happen, exist, or be true

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • a real possibility
  • the possibility of
  • rule out the possibility
  • there is a possibility that

Word family

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Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • possibilitynoun

Forms

  • possibilitiespluralnoun