possession

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The state of owning or having something.

   Grammar: Uncountable when referring to the state of owning; no plural form in this sense.

   Patterns

   • possession of something
   • in possession of something
   • have possession of something

   The police found him in possession of stolen goods.

   She lost possession of the house after the bank took it.

   The team fought for possession of the ball.

2. 2nouncountable

   Something that you own.

   Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural to mean all your belongings.

   Patterns

   • personal possessions
   • a prized possession
   • someone's possessions

   He packed all his possessions into two suitcases.

   This watch is my most valuable possession.

   The fire destroyed all their possessions.

3. 3noununcountablesport

   In sports, control of the ball by a player or team.

   Grammar: Uncountable in this sense; often used with 'have' or 'gain'.

   Patterns

   • have possession
   • gain possession
   • lose possession

   The home team had most of the possession but couldn't score.

   He lost possession just outside the penalty area.

   They need to keep possession of the ball to win.

Word forms

Common combinations

in possession of

She was arrested for being in possession of a weapon.

take possession of

The new owners will take possession of the property next month.

worldly possessions

He gave away all his worldly possessions.

prized possession

That trophy is his most prized possession.

possession is nine-tenths of the law

The court ruled in her favor, citing that possession is nine-tenths of the law.

Synonyms and how they differ

ownership

Focuses on the legal right to own something, while possession can be temporary or physical.

belongings

Refers to personal items you own, usually plural, and is less formal than possessions.

custody

Means having care or control of something, often used in legal contexts, not necessarily ownership.

Opposites

Word family

possess verb

To have or own something.

possessive adjective

Wanting to keep what you have or control others.

possessor noun

A person who owns or has something.

Commonly confused: possession or possession?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “possession”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words