'upgrade-impossibility' originates from Modern English, specifically as a compound of the verb 'upgrade' and the noun 'impossibility'; 'upgrade' is formed from 'up' (meaning 'higher' or 'toward a higher position') + 'grade' (from Latin 'gradus' meaning 'step, degree'), and 'impossibility' derives from Latin 'impossibilis' formed with prefix 'im-' (not) + 'possibilis' (able).

'upgrade' developed in the 20th century from the phrase 'up grade' (literally 'to move to a higher grade/level'), while 'impossibility' comes from Latin 'impossibilis' → Old French/Medieval Latin adaptations → Middle English 'impossibilite' and eventually modern English 'impossibility'. The compound 'upgrade-impossibility' is a descriptive modern English formation combining those established elements.

Initially, the components meant 'to move up a level' (upgrade) and 'not possible' (im- + possible); combined in modern usage they specifically denote 'the state or fact that an upgrade cannot be done.'