Have you ever struggled with choosing the right word to describe a situation? Words like impossible and infeasible may seem interchangeable, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and when to use each one.
Let’s define the terms. Impossible means that something cannot be done, while infeasible means that something is not practical or feasible to do under the given circumstances. While both words indicate that a task cannot be completed, impossible implies that it is completely out of the realm of possibility, while infeasible suggests that it may be possible but not practical.
Understanding the difference between impossible and infeasible is important because it can affect how we approach a problem. If something is impossible, we may need to find an alternative solution or abandon the idea altogether. On the other hand, if something is infeasible, we may need to find ways to make it more feasible or find a compromise.
In the rest of this article, we will explore situations where one word may be more appropriate than the other and how to use them effectively in our writing and communication.
Define Impossible
Impossible is a word used to describe something that cannot be done or achieved. It refers to a situation or task that is beyond the realm of possibility or feasibility. The term is often used to describe something that is completely out of reach, beyond the limits of human capability, or simply cannot be accomplished due to physical, logical, or practical constraints.
For example, it is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light, as this would violate the laws of physics. Similarly, it is impossible to create a perpetual motion machine that generates more energy than it consumes, as this would contradict the laws of thermodynamics.
Define Infeasible
Infeasible is a word used to describe something that is technically possible, but not practical or feasible to accomplish due to various constraints. It refers to a situation or task that is difficult, impractical, or too expensive to achieve, despite being technically possible.
For instance, it may be technically possible to build a skyscraper that is a mile high, but it would be infeasible due to the enormous costs, engineering challenges, and safety concerns involved. Similarly, it may be technically possible to launch a manned mission to Mars, but it would be infeasible due to the high costs, technical challenges, and health risks involved.
| Impossible | Infeasible |
|---|---|
| Cannot be done or achieved | Difficult or impractical to achieve |
| Beyond the realm of possibility | Within the realm of possibility, but not practical |
| Due to physical, logical, or practical constraints | Due to various constraints such as cost, time, or safety |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
As a writer, it is important to use words accurately and effectively. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “impossible” and “infeasible”. While they may seem similar, they actually have distinct meanings that should be used appropriately. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use “Impossible” In A Sentence
The word “impossible” refers to something that cannot be done or achieved. It is often used to describe situations or tasks that are extremely difficult or unlikely to happen. When using “impossible” in a sentence, it is important to use it in the correct context. Here are some examples:
- It is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light.
- Winning the lottery is not impossible, but it is highly unlikely.
- Completing this project within a week is impossible.
As you can see from these examples, “impossible” is used to describe situations that are not achievable or highly unlikely to happen. It is important to use this word accurately to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
How To Use “Infeasible” In A Sentence
The word “infeasible” refers to something that is not practical or possible to do. It is often used to describe situations or tasks that are not feasible due to various constraints. When using “infeasible” in a sentence, it is important to use it in the correct context. Here are some examples:
- It is infeasible to complete this project without additional resources.
- Building a skyscraper in this location is infeasible due to zoning laws.
- It is infeasible to expect employees to work 24 hours a day.
As you can see from these examples, “infeasible” is used to describe situations that are not practical or possible to do due to various constraints. It is important to use this word accurately to convey the appropriate meaning and avoid confusion.
More Examples Of Impossible & Infeasible Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the differences between “impossible” and “infeasible”, it is important to examine how they are used in sentences. Below are examples of both words used in various contexts:
Examples Of Using “Impossible” In A Sentence
- It is impossible to fly without wings.
- It is impossible to turn back time.
- It is impossible to please everyone.
- It is impossible to create a perfect world.
- It is impossible to know everything.
- It is impossible to survive without water.
- It is impossible to change the past.
- It is impossible to make a square circle.
- It is impossible to travel faster than light.
- It is impossible to be in two places at once.
Examples Of Using “Infeasible” In A Sentence
- It is infeasible to build a skyscraper in a day.
- It is infeasible to travel to Mars with current technology.
- It is infeasible to read a book in one second.
- It is infeasible to learn a new language in a week.
- It is infeasible to climb Mount Everest without proper training.
- It is infeasible to run a marathon without training.
- It is infeasible to cure cancer with current medical knowledge.
- It is infeasible to eliminate poverty overnight.
- It is infeasible to achieve world peace in a day.
- It is infeasible to solve all the world’s problems with one solution.
As you can see, “impossible” refers to something that cannot be done or achieved, while “infeasible” refers to something that is technically possible but not practical or reasonable to do or achieve.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to the words impossible and infeasible, people often use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. In this section, we will highlight some of the most common mistakes people make when using these words and explain why they are incorrect. We will also offer tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.
Using Impossible When You Mean Infeasible
One of the most common mistakes people make is using the word impossible when they really mean infeasible. While these words may seem interchangeable, they actually have different meanings.
Impossible means that something cannot be done under any circumstances. For example, it is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light.
Infeasible, on the other hand, means that something is technically possible, but it is not practical or feasible to do it. For example, it may be technically possible to build a skyscraper out of solid gold, but it is not feasible due to the cost and practical considerations.
Using impossible when you really mean infeasible can lead to confusion and miscommunication. For example, if you tell your boss that a project is impossible, they may assume that it cannot be done under any circumstances, when in reality it may just be infeasible due to budget or time constraints.
Assuming Infeasible Means Impossible
Another common mistake people make is assuming that infeasible means impossible. As we just discussed, infeasible means that something is not practical or feasible to do, but it is still technically possible.
Assuming that infeasible means impossible can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of innovation. If you assume that something is impossible when it is really just infeasible, you may not even attempt to explore alternative solutions or approaches.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
So how can you avoid making these common mistakes? Here are a few tips:
- Take the time to understand the difference between impossible and infeasible.
- Think carefully before using either word, and make sure you are using the correct one.
- If you are unsure whether something is impossible or infeasible, do some research or seek advice from someone with expertise in the area.
- Be open to exploring alternative solutions and approaches, even if something seems impossible or infeasible at first glance.
By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and communicate more effectively when using the words impossible and infeasible.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “impossible” and “infeasible,” context matters. The meaning of each word can change depending on the situation in which it is used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between “impossible” and “infeasible” might change:
| Context | Explanation | Choice between “Impossible” and “Infeasible” |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | In the field of engineering, “impossible” is often used to describe something that cannot be done due to physical or scientific limitations. “Infeasible” is used to describe something that is technically possible, but not practical or cost-effective to implement. | “Impossible” is the better choice when discussing something that is truly impossible due to physical or scientific limitations. “Infeasible” is the better choice when discussing something that is technically possible, but not practical or cost-effective to implement. |
| Politics | In politics, “impossible” is often used to describe a situation that cannot be achieved due to political or social constraints. “Infeasible” is used to describe a situation that is technically possible, but not politically or socially viable. | “Impossible” is the better choice when discussing a situation that truly cannot be achieved due to political or social constraints. “Infeasible” is the better choice when discussing a situation that is technically possible, but not politically or socially viable. |
| Personal Goals | When it comes to personal goals, “impossible” is often used to describe something that is beyond one’s capabilities or resources. “Infeasible” is used to describe something that is technically possible, but not realistic or practical given one’s current circumstances. | “Impossible” is the better choice when discussing something that is truly beyond one’s capabilities or resources. “Infeasible” is the better choice when discussing something that is technically possible, but not realistic or practical given one’s current circumstances. |
As you can see, the choice between “impossible” and “infeasible” can depend on the context in which they are used. It’s important to choose the right word to accurately convey the meaning of the situation.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “impossible” and “infeasible” may generally apply, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. In certain contexts, these words may not carry their usual meanings or may be used interchangeably.
Exceptions For “Impossible”
- Hyperbole: In some cases, “impossible” may be used hyperbolically to exaggerate a situation or express strong disbelief. For example, “It’s impossible to find good help these days” does not necessarily mean that it is truly impossible, but rather that it is very difficult.
- Conditional Statements: In conditional statements, “impossible” may be used to express a hypothetical situation that is highly unlikely but not necessarily completely impossible. For example, “If pigs could fly, then it would be impossible for them to live in trees.”
- Technical Jargon: In certain technical fields, “impossible” may be used to describe a situation that is technically possible but highly unlikely or not worth considering. For example, in computer science, “impossible” may be used to describe an algorithm that is theoretically possible but too inefficient to be practical.
Exceptions For “Infeasible”
- Legal Language: In legal language, “infeasible” may be used to describe a situation that is not impossible but is impractical or legally prohibited. For example, a construction project may be deemed “infeasible” if it violates zoning laws.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: In business and economics, “infeasible” may be used to describe a project or proposal that is technically possible but not financially viable. For example, a company may determine that a new product is “infeasible” due to high production costs.
- Project Management: In project management, “infeasible” may be used to describe a project that is technically possible but cannot be completed within the given constraints of time, budget, or resources. For example, a project manager may determine that a proposed timeline for a project is “infeasible.”
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of impossible and infeasible is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you improve your knowledge of these two words:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either impossible or infeasible:
- It is __________ to expect everyone to agree on everything.
- Given the current economic climate, it is __________ to find a job.
- It is __________ to travel faster than the speed of light.
- With the right resources, it is not __________ to achieve your goals.
Answer Key:
- impossible
- infeasible
- impossible
- infeasible
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:
- It is __________ to climb Mount Everest without proper training.
- a) impossible
- b) infeasible
- a) impossible
- b) infeasible
- a) impossible
- b) infeasible
Answer Key:
- a) impossible
- b) infeasible
- a) impossible
By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of impossible and infeasible in everyday conversation and writing.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between impossible and infeasible, it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. While both words describe situations that cannot be accomplished, impossible refers to things that are fundamentally unattainable, while infeasible describes things that may be possible but are not practical or achievable with the resources available.
It is important to use these words correctly in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. Using impossible when you mean infeasible can lead to misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations. On the other hand, using infeasible when you mean impossible can make it seem like a goal is more attainable than it actually is.
Key Takeaways
- Impossible and infeasible are not interchangeable.
- Impossible refers to things that are fundamentally unattainable, while infeasible describes things that may be possible but are not practical or achievable with the resources available.
- Using these words correctly is important for effective communication and avoiding confusion.
Overall, understanding the nuances of language use and grammar is crucial for clear and effective communication. By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can better convey our ideas and connect with others.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.