Feasible vs. Possible – Which is Correct?

While often used interchangeably, possible and feasible carry distinct meanings. Possible denotes something that can happen or be done, regardless of practicality. Feasible, however, implies that something is not only possible but also practical, achievable, and sensible given available resources and constraints. All feasible things are possible, but not all possible things are feasible.

Feasible or Possible – Which is Correct?

Both “feasible” and “possible” are correct words in American English, but they describe different aspects of an action or outcome. The core difference lies in the element of practicality and resources. “Possible” simply means that an event or action can occur or be done. There are no inherent barriers preventing it. “Feasible,” on the other hand, adds a layer of realism, suggesting that something is not only capable of being done but is also practical, convenient, and achievable with the available means, time, and resources.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think of “feasible” as having the “fees” or “funds” to make something happen. If you have the necessary resources—money, time, equipment, skilled personnel—then an action is feasible. If it simply can be done, regardless of whether you have those resources, it’s possible. A simple “Swap Test” won’t work perfectly here due to the nuance, but remembering “feasible = practical & resourced” is key.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Feasible	Adjective	Capable of being done or carried out; practicable; achievable with available resources.	Building a bridge across the river is feasible with the current budget and technology.
Possible	Adjective	Capable of existing, happening, or being done; within the bounds of possibility.	It’s possible to fly to the moon, but not everyone can do it.

How to Use Feasible

The word “feasible” is an adjective used to describe something that is not only capable of being done but is also practical, convenient, and likely to succeed given the circumstances and resources. It often implies a careful consideration of logistics, cost, time, and available technology. When you describe a plan or project as “feasible,” you are suggesting that it is realistic and achievable. It is typically used in more formal or business contexts, such as project management, engineering, or scientific research.

Example 1: The company conducted a thorough feasibility study to determine if expanding into the new market was financially feasible.

Example 2: With the new software update, it is now technically feasible to integrate all our systems.

Example 3: While the idea was innovative, the team concluded that executing it within the tight deadline was not feasible.

What are the different forms of Feasible?

“Feasible” is an adjective. Its comparative and superlative forms are:

• Comparative: More feasible
• Superlative: Most feasible

For example: “This plan is more feasible than the previous one.” or “This is the most feasible solution we’ve found so far.”

Etymology of the word Feasible

The word “feasible” comes from the Old French word “faisible” (meaning “doable”), which in turn derives from “faire” (to do) and the Latin “facere” (to make or do). It entered English in the late 15th century, retaining its sense of something that can be accomplished.

How to Use Possible

“Possible” is an adjective indicating that something can exist, happen, or be done. It describes a state of potentiality without necessarily considering the practicalities or resources required. If something is “possible,” it means it’s not impossible; there’s a chance it could occur or be achieved. It’s a broader term than “feasible” and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When you say something is “possible,” you’re stating that it’s within the realm of what could conceivably happen, even if it’s difficult or unlikely.

Example 1: It’s possible that it will rain later, so bring an umbrella.

Example 2: With enough effort, anything is possible.

Example 3: Is it possible for you to finish this report by tomorrow morning?

What are the different forms of Possible?

“Possible” is an adjective. Its comparative and superlative forms are:

• Comparative: More possible
• Superlative: Most possible

For example: “It’s more possible now that we have extra help.” or “That’s the most possible outcome given the circumstances.” However, phrases like “more likely” or “most probable” are often preferred when discussing degrees of probability.

Etymology of the word Possible

The word “possible” originates from the Latin word “possibilis,” meaning “that can be done” or “possible.” This comes from “posse,” which means “to be able.” It arrived in English via Old French “possible” in the 14th century, carrying its core meaning of capability or potential.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical and semantic concepts can help clarify the distinction between “feasible” and “possible.”

• Modality: In linguistics, modality refers to the speaker’s attitude toward the truth or likelihood of a proposition. Both “feasible” and “possible” relate to modality, specifically to what is capable of happening. “Possible” expresses epistemic modality (what is known or believed to be true), while “feasible” leans towards deontic or dynamic modality (what is permissible or capable of being done practically).
• Connotation vs. Denotation: While both words denote a form of capability, their connotations differ. “Possible” has a neutral connotation, simply stating a potential. “Feasible” carries a more positive connotation of practicality, suggesting a well-thought-out plan or achievable goal.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.” – Arthur C. Clarke (highlighting the abstract nature of “possible”)
• “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela (emphasizing that what seems impossible can become possible)
• “A feasibility study must be conducted before we commit significant resources to the new energy project.” – (Common phrase in business news, showing “feasible” in a practical context)
• “While colonizing Mars is technically possible, making it economically feasible for the average person remains a distant dream.” – (News article discussing space travel, contrasting both terms)
• “The architect assured them that the design, though ambitious, was entirely feasible within their budget.” – (From a novel, demonstrating “feasible” tied to practical constraints)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. Given our limited budget, a trip around the world is not ______ this year.
2. It is ______ for a single person to win the lottery, though highly improbable.
3. The engineers are conducting tests to see if the new engine design is ______ to manufacture on a large scale.
4. After careful review, the committee decided that the proposed timeline was not ______ and requested an extension.
5. Do you think it’s ______ to finish all this work before noon?

Answer Key

1. feasible
2. possible
3. feasible
4. feasible
5. possible

Feasible Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Practicable	Capable of being put into practice or done; workable.
Achievable	Capable of being successfully accomplished.
Viable	Capable of working successfully; able to be done successfully.
Attainable	Able to be achieved, especially after effort.
Workable	Capable of being put into operation; practical.

Possible Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Conceivable	Capable of being imagined or grasped mentally.
Attainable	Able to be achieved, especially after effort.
Potential	Having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future.
Credible	Able to be believed; convincing.
Imaginable	Capable of being imagined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can something be possible but not feasible?
Yes, absolutely. For instance, it’s possible for a human to jump over a 10-foot wall, but for most people, it’s not feasible without specialized equipment or training. Similarly, building a city on the moon is possible with current technology, but it’s not economically or logistically feasible for widespread implementation yet.

Question 2: Is “feasibility study” related to the word “feasible”?
Yes, a “feasibility study” is a critical component of project planning. It’s an assessment of the practicality of a proposed project or plan. The study analyzes various factors like economic viability, technical requirements, legal aspects, and scheduling to determine if a project is indeed “feasible” (i.e., achievable and practical).

Question 3: Does “feasible” always imply a better outcome than “possible”?
Not necessarily “better,” but “feasible” implies a more realistic and achievable outcome. While something “possible” might be a long shot or require immense resources, something “feasible” is within reach given current conditions. In a professional context, a “feasible” plan is generally preferred because it implies a higher likelihood of success.

Conclusion

The distinction between “feasible” and “possible” is subtle but significant, particularly in professional and academic contexts. While “possible” simply opens the door to an action or outcome, “feasible” evaluates whether that door can actually be walked through, considering all practical constraints. Understanding this nuance allows for clearer communication and more precise planning. Using these words accurately demonstrates a sophisticated grasp of language and critical thinking.