possibilism

Borrowed from French possibilisme. By surface analysis, Latin possibil|is, ~e (“that can be done”) +‎ -ism, from Latin po|ssum, ~(te)sse, ~tuī (“be able”) + -ibil|is, ~e (“-able”). First attested in 1883.

• Hyphenation: pos‧​si‧​bi‧​lism

possibilism (countable and uncountable, plural possibilisms)

1. (philosophy, politics) The belief that possible things exist, as well as actual things. [from 1880s]

   Antonym: actualism

3. (geography) The theory that the geographical environment sets certain constraints, but culture is otherwise determined by social conditions. [from 1920s]
4. An approach that pragmatically focuses on achievable goals rather than impossible ideals.
   • 1970, The Journal of the College & University Personnel Association:

     Aim at a standard of adequacy (possibilism) rather than at a standard of perfection (utopianism).

5. (sometimes derogatory) Any of various socialist reform movements.

• “possibilism, n.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.
• “possibilism, n.”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
• “possibilism, n.”, in Collins English Dictionary, accessed 10 September 2025.