late 14c., from Old French impossible (14c.), from Latin impossibilis "not possible," from assimilated form of in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + possibilis (see possible). Weakened sense of "unable to be accomplished or tolerated" is from mid-19c. Related: Impossibly.
an impossible dream
an impossible situation
impossible behavior
his assignment verged on the impossible
impose
imposing
imposition
impossibilism
impossibility
impossible
impost
impostor
imposture
impotable
impotence