Impossible vs. Improbable — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 9, 2024
Impossible actions or events cannot occur under any circumstances, whereas improbable ones are unlikely but not out of the realm of possibility.
Difference Between Impossible and Improbable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "impossible" refers to something that cannot happen or be achieved, no matter the effort or conditions. It's a definitive statement about the limitations of reality or specific scenarios, suggesting an absolute barrier that cannot be overcome. For instance, perpetual motion machines are considered impossible due to the laws of thermodynamics. On the other hand, "improbable" describes situations or events that are highly unlikely to happen but are not beyond the bounds of possibility. Winning a lottery jackpot is a classic example of an improbable event—it's extremely unlikely, yet people do win.
Impossible scenarios are often rooted in fundamental laws, such as those of physics or logical axioms, that define what can and cannot occur within our understanding of the universe. For example, traveling faster than the speed of light is deemed impossible according to current scientific understanding. In contrast, improbable events are typically governed by statistics and chance rather than absolute physical or logical laws. For example, finding a specific grain of sand on all the world's beaches is improbably difficult but not strictly impossible.
In discourse and reasoning, labeling something as impossible implies a closed mindset, often dismissing creative solutions or breakthroughs that could redefine our understanding of what is achievable. Conversely, considering outcomes as improbable rather than impossible encourages exploration and innovation, acknowledging that while some outcomes are highly unlikely, they are not beyond the realm of human achievement or luck.
The perception of impossibility vs. improbability can shift over time with advances in technology, science, and understanding. What was once deemed impossible, like heavier-than-air flight, has become not only probable but an everyday occurrence. This evolution underscores the importance of context and knowledge in defining the boundaries of what we consider possible.
Distinguishing between impossible and improbable is crucial in risk assessment and decision-making. In planning and strategy, understanding that some risks are improbable rather than impossible can lead to better preparedness and resilience, allowing for contingency plans that account for unlikely but potential events.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Cannot occur under any circumstances
Unlikely to happen, but not impossible
Governed by
Fundamental laws or logical absolutes
Statistics, chance, and probability
Examples
Perpetual motion, squaring the circle
Winning the lottery, finding a specific grain of sand
Mindset and Approach
Often dismissive of possibilities
Open to exploration and innovation
Impact on Innovation
May limit by defining strict boundaries
Encourages challenges to perceived limits
Evolution Over Time
What's impossible can change with new discoveries
Probability may change with new information
Role in Decision-Making
Often leads to ruling out options entirely
Allows for contingency planning
Compare with Definitions
Impossible
Not able to occur, exist, or be done.
Creating a true perpetual motion machine is impossible due to energy loss.
Improbable
Can shift towards possibility with changes in circumstances or information.
With advancements in technology, traveling to Mars has moved from improbable to likely.
Impossible
Reflects a concept or task that defies the laws of nature or logic.
Squaring the circle has been proven mathematically impossible.
Improbable
Encourages a mindset open to exploring unlikely scenarios.
It seemed improbable that we would find a solution, yet we did.
Impossible
Often associated with a closed mindset toward potentialities.
Considering travel faster than light impossible closes the door to theoretical possibilities like wormholes.
Improbable
Related to occurrences that defy expectations rather than natural laws.
An amateur winning against a top-ranked player is improbable but can happen.
Impossible
Used to express a firm conviction that a scenario cannot come to pass.
It's impossible for a human to breathe underwater unaided.
Improbable
Not likely to happen or be the case.
It's improbable to win the lottery, yet millions of tickets are sold.
Impossible
A term that denotes an absolute barrier to realization or achievement.
For centuries, human flight was deemed impossible.
Improbable
Pertains to events with a very low likelihood but not ruled out.
Meeting someone born on the same day, at the same time as you is improbable but possible.
Impossible
Not able to occur, exist, or be done
It was almost impossible to keep up with him
A seemingly impossible task
Improbable
Unlikely to take place or be true.
Impossible
Incapable of having existence or of occurring.
Improbable
Not likely to be true.
It's highly improbable that aliens abducted you.
Impossible
Not capable of being accomplished
An impossible goal.
Improbable
Not likely to happen.
Due to the loss of power, it is improbable that we will begin on time.
Impossible
Unacceptable; intolerable
Impossible behavior.
Improbable
Not probable; unlikely to be true; not to be expected under the circumstances or in the usual course of events; as, an improbable story or event.
He . . . sent to Elutherius, then bishop of Rome, an improbable letter, as some of the contents discover.
Impossible
Extremely difficult to deal with or tolerate
An impossible child.
An impossible situation.
Improbable
Not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred;
Legislation on the question is highly unlikely
An improbable event
Impossible
Not possible; not able to be done or happen.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to memorize 20,000 consecutive numbers.
Sarah thinks that nothing is impossible because things can always somehow happen.
Improbable
Having a probability to low to inspire belief
Impossible
Very difficult to deal with.
You never listen to a word I say – you're impossible!
Improbable
Too improbable to admit of belief;
A tall story
Impossible
Imaginary
Impossible quantities, or imaginary numbers
Impossible
An impossibility.
Impossible
A skateboard trick consisting of a backflip performed in midair.
Impossible
Not possible; incapable of being done, of existing, etc.; unattainable in the nature of things, or by means at command; insuperably difficult under the circumstances; absurd or impracticable; not feasible.
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Without faith it is impossible to please him.
Impossible
An impossibility; as, he tried to do the impossible.
"Madam," quoth he, "this were an impossible!"
Impossible
Something that cannot be done;
His assignment verged on the impossible
Impossible
Not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with;
An impossible dream
An impossible situation
Impossible
Totally unlikely
Impossible
Used of persons or their behavior;
Impossible behavior
Insufferable insolence
Common Curiosities
Can something be both impossible and improbable?
No, these terms are mutually exclusive. If something is impossible, it cannot happen, making its probability irrelevant.
What defines an impossible event?
An event is defined as impossible if it cannot occur under any circumstances due to fundamental physical laws or logical constraints.
Can the classification of an event as impossible or improbable change?
Yes, advancements in knowledge or technology can shift perceptions from impossible to improbable or vice versa.
Why is it important to distinguish between impossible and improbable in scientific inquiry?
This distinction encourages open-mindedness and innovation, allowing scientists to explore beyond current understandings while acknowledging the limits of possibility.
How do impossibility and improbability impact motivation?
Viewing goals as improbable rather than impossible can maintain motivation by preserving the possibility of success, however slight.
How do improbability and impossibility affect planning?
Recognizing the difference allows for realistic risk assessment and preparation. Improbable events are considered in contingency planning, whereas impossible ones are not.
Can legal or ethical considerations render something impossible?
While not physically impossible, legal or ethical constraints can make certain actions effectively impossible within specific contexts.
How does culture influence perceptions of impossibility and improbability?
Cultural beliefs and knowledge can shape what a society deems impossible or improbable, influencing collective and individual perceptions of potential.
Does improbability imply a numerical probability?
Yes, improbability often relates to statistical likelihood, suggesting a low but non-zero chance of occurrence.
Is impossibility always absolute, or can it be context-dependent?
While often seen as absolute, perceptions of impossibility can vary with context, especially in fields rapidly evolving with new insights.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
