nearimpossible

Near-impossible is an English adjective describing something that is extremely difficult to achieve or unlikely to occur, though not strictly impossible. It signals a high level of challenge or improbability and is used for emphasis while avoiding absolute statements.

Orthography and usage: The hyphenated form near-impossible is standard guidance in many style guides when the term functions as a modifier before a noun (for example, a near-impossible task). The compound can also appear less formally without the hyphen or, in some texts, as a closed form, though this is far less common.

Origins and nuance: The construction combines near with impossible to stress the degree of difficulty rather than to claim impossibility. It sits between adjectives such as almost impossible and virtually impossible, often offering a softer or more colorful alternative. It is common in everyday speech, journalism, and fiction, where speakers seek emphasis without asserting absolute certainty.

Variations and related terms: Near-impossible is closely related to almost impossible, nearly impossible, and virtually impossible. Other related expressions include all but impossible and extremely difficult. The choice among these terms can affect tone, with near-impossible preserving a practical sense of improbability while leaving room for unforeseen outcomes.

See also: virtually impossible; almost impossible; nearly impossible; all but impossible; extremely difficult.