How to pronounce impossible
Say it like im-POS-uh-bul. Impossible has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce impossible. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- POS
- uh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Impossible pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- POSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of impossible
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: im-POS-ih-bul.
What does impossible mean?
- not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with“an impossible dream”“an impossible situation”
- totally unlikely
- (used of persons or their behavior) not acceptable or reasonable“impossible behavior”
- something that cannot be done“his assignment verged on the impossible”
Where does impossible come from?
From Middle English impossible, equivalent to im- + possible.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying impossible
How do you pronounce impossible?
Say im-POS-uh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmˈpɑsəbəl/. In British English it is /ɪmˈpɒsɪbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in impossible?
Impossible has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POS). Broken into parts: im · POS · uh · bul.
Is impossible pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ɪmˈpɒsɪbəl/ (im-POS-ih-bul).