possibility */*/*/

UK [ˌpɒsəˈbɪlətɪ] / US [ˌpɑsəˈbɪlətɪ] noun
Word forms "possibility":
singular possibility plural possibilities

Get it right: possibility:

The noun possibility is never followed by an infinitive. Use the pattern the/a possibility of doing something:
Wrong: New technology offers the possibility to put very large dictionaries onto a single compact disc.
Right: New technology offers the possibility of putting very large dictionaries onto a single compact disc.
Wrong: With more flexible working hours, staff now have the possibility to build their own working conditions.
Right: With more flexible working hours, staff now have the possibility of building their own working conditions. You can also use possibility in the following patterns: ▪  possibility of something
▪  possibility that
The possibility of a move to the coast was considered. There is a real possibility that the government could be defeated.

1)

a) [countable/uncountable] the chance that something might happen or be true

Another possibility is that we'll go to Mexico instead.

One possibility for the weekend is to rent a car and go to the beach.

possibility of:

Is everyone aware of the possibility of injury when skateboarding?

possibility (that):

There is a strong possibility that they will win the next election.

rule out a possibility (= decide that something is not a possibility):

We can't rule out the possibility that it may happen again.

b) [countable] something that might happen or be true

real/distinct possibility:

War is a very real possibility.

•

Collocations:
Verbs frequently used with possibility as the object ▪  allow for, consider, dismiss, exclude, explore, ignore, look into/at, open up, raise, reject, rule out

2) [countable] a likely or suitable choice among several possible people or things

We need to examine other possibilities before we book the flights.

possibility for:

He's been eliminated as a possibility for the job.

3) possibilities

[plural] opportunities to develop in a successful, interesting, or exciting way

This old building has some intriguing possibilities.