/ ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti; NAmE ˌpɑːs-/ noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
[ U , C ] possibility (of sth / of doing sth) | possibility (that ... ) the fact that sth might exist or happen, but is not certain to :
There is now no possibility that she will make a full recovery.
He refused to rule out the possibility of a tax increase.
It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that we'll all meet again one day.
Bankruptcy is a real possibility if sales don't improve.
What had seemed impossible now seemed a distinct possibility .
OPP impossibility
2.
[ C , usually pl. ] one of the different things that you can do in a particular situation :
to explore / consider / investigate a wide range of possibilities
to exhaust all the possibilities
Selling the house is just one possibility that is open to us.
The possibilities are endless .
➡ note at option
3.
[ C , usually pl. ] something that gives you a chance to achieve sth
SYN opportunity :
The course offers a range of exciting possibilities for developing your skills.
4.
possibilities [ pl. ] if sth has possibilities , it can be improved or made successful
SYN potential :
The house is in a bad state of repair but it has possibilities.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French possibilite , from late Latin possibilitas , from possibilis able to be done, from posse be able.