Origin: Latin suffix -ible
Impossible has 6 different meanings across 2 categories:
an impossibility
"The request to finish the marathon without training was impossible, so I had to cancel my entry."
In plain English: An impossible task is something that can never be done no matter how hard you try.
"The impossible was made possible when they found a way to fix the broken engine."
Usage: While "impossible" is primarily an adjective, it can function as a noun in informal speech to refer to an impossible situation or person. Use this usage only casually to describe someone who is difficult to deal with or a task that cannot be completed.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
"an impossible dream"
"an impossible situation"
totally unlikely
"Winning the lottery without buying a ticket is impossible, but it happens every day in movies."
(used of persons or their behavior) not acceptable or reasonable
"impossible behavior"
Not possible; not able to be done or happen.
"Without a working engine, it is impossible for us to reach the airport before sunset."
In plain English: Impossible means something that cannot be done or achieved no matter how hard you try.
"It feels impossible to finish all this work before tomorrow morning."
Usage: Use "impossible" to describe tasks, situations, or events that cannot be achieved or occur under any circumstances. Avoid using it loosely to express strong disagreement or exaggeration in casual conversation.
The word impossible comes from Middle English, where it was formed by combining the prefix im- with possible. It originally meant not capable of being done and has retained that same meaning in modern English.