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Impossible vs. Improbable — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Impossible and Improbable

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Definitions

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.
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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
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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

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