When it comes to language, precision is key. Choosing the right words can make all the difference in conveying your message accurately. Two words that are often used interchangeably and incorrectly are “infeasible” and “impracticable.” While they may seem similar, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect how they should be used.
Let’s clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use in different situations. In general, “infeasible” is the better option when referring to something that is impossible or unrealistic to achieve due to external factors or limitations. On the other hand, “impracticable” is more appropriate when describing something that is technically possible but not feasible or practical due to internal factors or constraints.
For example, it would be more accurate to say that building a bridge across the Atlantic Ocean is infeasible due to the immense distance and depth, rather than impracticable because the technology exists to construct such a bridge. Conversely, it would be more appropriate to say that implementing a brand new software system in a company with outdated hardware and limited resources is impracticable, rather than infeasible because the technical capabilities exist, but the practical constraints make it impossible to achieve.
Understanding the distinction between these two words is important for clear communication in both written and spoken language. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the definitions and nuances of each word, as well as explore some real-world examples to illustrate their proper usage.
Define Infeasible
Infeasible refers to something that cannot be achieved or carried out due to practical limitations or constraints. This term is often used to describe a project or plan that is deemed impossible to implement due to factors such as cost, time, or resources. Infeasibility can also refer to a situation where a proposed solution is not viable or practical, and therefore cannot be implemented.
Define Impracticable
Impracticable is a term that is often used interchangeably with infeasible, but it has a slightly different meaning. Impracticable refers to something that is not capable of being done or carried out in a practical or feasible manner. This term is often used to describe a situation where a proposed solution is technically possible, but is not practical due to factors such as cost, time, or resources. In other words, impracticability is a condition where a solution is possible, but not practical or feasible.
Here is a table that summarizes the differences between infeasible and impracticable:
| Infeasible | Impracticable | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Cannot be achieved or carried out due to practical limitations or constraints | Not capable of being done or carried out in a practical or feasible manner |
| Usage | Describes a project or plan that is impossible to implement | Describes a situation where a proposed solution is technically possible, but not practical or feasible |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can be challenging, especially when two words have similar meanings. Infeasible and impracticable are two such words that are often used interchangeably. However, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in a sentence.
How To Use Infeasible In A Sentence
Infeasible is an adjective that describes something that is impossible to achieve or accomplish. It is often used to describe a plan or an idea that is not practical or realistic. For example:
- It is infeasible to complete this project within the given deadline.
- The proposed solution is infeasible due to budget constraints.
When using infeasible in a sentence, it is important to remember that it implies a sense of impossibility, rather than difficulty. It should not be used to describe something that is challenging but still achievable.
How To Use Impracticable In A Sentence
Impracticable is also an adjective that describes something that is not practical or feasible. However, it is often used to describe something that is difficult to achieve or implement. For example:
- The plan is impracticable due to lack of resources.
- It is impracticable to implement this policy without the support of key stakeholders.
When using impracticable in a sentence, it is important to remember that it implies a sense of difficulty, rather than impossibility. It should not be used to describe something that is completely impossible to achieve.
Overall, the key difference between infeasible and impracticable is the degree of difficulty or impossibility. Infeasible implies something that is impossible to achieve, while impracticable implies something that is difficult to achieve or implement.
More Examples Of Infeasible & Impracticable Used In Sentences
In order to further understand the usage of infeasible and impracticable, it is important to examine more examples of these words used in sentences. Below are ten examples of each word used in a sentence.
Examples Of Using Infeasible In A Sentence
- It is infeasible to complete this project by the end of the week.
- The cost of this proposal is infeasible for our budget.
- It is infeasible to expect a child to sit still for hours on end.
- His plan to travel the world in 30 days is infeasible.
- The idea of eliminating all poverty in the world is infeasible.
- It is infeasible to expect everyone to agree on every issue.
- Building a skyscraper in this location is infeasible due to zoning laws.
- His proposal to eliminate all taxes is infeasible.
- It is infeasible to expect a single person to solve all of the world’s problems.
- The idea of a completely self-sustaining city is infeasible with current technology.
Examples Of Using Impracticable In A Sentence
- It is impracticable to expect everyone to work for free.
- The idea of a paperless office is impracticable for our business.
- It is impracticable to expect a small business to compete with a multinational corporation.
- The idea of eliminating all crime is impracticable.
- His plan to climb Mount Everest without any training is impracticable.
- It is impracticable to expect a single person to solve all of the world’s problems.
- The idea of a completely self-sustaining city is impracticable with current technology.
- It is impracticable to expect a car to run without any fuel.
- The idea of a completely automated workforce is impracticable with current technology.
- It is impracticable to expect a person to survive without food or water for an extended period of time.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using language effectively, it’s important to choose the right words for the job. Two words that are often confused are “infeasible” and “impracticable.” While they may seem interchangeable, they actually have distinct meanings that should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:
Using “Infeasible” When You Mean “Impracticable”
One common mistake is to use “infeasible” when you really mean “impracticable.” While these words are similar, they have different meanings. “Infeasible” means that something cannot be done because it is not possible or practical, while “impracticable” means that something cannot be done because it is not feasible or possible given the circumstances.
For example, if you were trying to build a bridge across a wide river, it might be infeasible to do so because of the cost or engineering challenges. On the other hand, if you were trying to build a bridge across a river that was too wide to span, it would be impracticable to do so because the laws of physics prevent it.
Using “Impracticable” When You Mean “Impossible”
Another common mistake is to use “impracticable” when you really mean “impossible.” While these words are related, they have different meanings. “Impossible” means that something cannot be done under any circumstances, while “impracticable” means that something cannot be done under the current circumstances.
For example, if you were trying to travel faster than the speed of light, it would be impossible to do so because the laws of physics prevent it. However, if you were trying to travel to a distant planet, it might be impracticable to do so because of the current limitations of technology.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the meanings of “infeasible” and “impracticable” and to use them appropriately. Here are some tips:
- Think carefully about the meaning of the word you want to use before you use it.
- Consider the context in which you are using the word and whether it makes sense given the circumstances.
- Use a thesaurus to find alternative words if you’re not sure which one to use.
By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and use language more effectively.
Context Matters
Choosing the right word can make all the difference in conveying a clear and precise message. When it comes to describing something that is not possible or not feasible, the words infeasible and impracticable are often used interchangeably. However, the context in which they are used can make a significant difference in their meaning.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a closer look at some different contexts and how the choice between infeasible and impracticable might change:
| Context | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | When describing a project or design, infeasible refers to something that is not possible to achieve given the current technology or resources. | It is infeasible to build a bridge across the Atlantic Ocean. |
| Legal | Impracticable is often used in legal contexts to describe something that is not feasible due to legal restrictions or requirements. | It would be impracticable to implement this new policy due to current labor laws. |
| Business | In the business world, infeasible might refer to something that is not financially viable or not possible to achieve given current market conditions. | It is infeasible to launch this new product given the current economic climate. |
| Personal | When describing personal goals or aspirations, infeasible might refer to something that is not possible to achieve given personal limitations or circumstances. | It is infeasible for me to run a marathon given my current health condition. |
As you can see, the choice between infeasible and impracticable can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the specific context and the intended meaning when choosing which word to use.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using infeasible and impracticable are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where these words may not apply. Here are some examples:
Legal Terms
In legal contexts, the terms infeasible and impracticable may have specific meanings that differ from their general usage. For instance, in contract law, a contract may be deemed impracticable if its performance becomes impossible or commercially impracticable due to unforeseen circumstances. This is known as the doctrine of commercial impracticability.
Scientific Usage
In scientific contexts, the terms infeasible and impracticable may be used to describe different types of problems. Infeasible may refer to a problem that is theoretically solvable but computationally intractable, while impracticable may refer to a problem that is not only difficult to solve but also physically impossible to implement.
Regional Variations
There may be regional variations in the usage of infeasible and impracticable. For example, in British English, the term impracticable may be used more frequently than infeasible, whereas the opposite may be true in American English.
Contextual Differences
Finally, it’s worth noting that the appropriate use of infeasible and impracticable may depend on the specific context in which they are being used. For instance, infeasible may be more appropriate when discussing technical or engineering problems, while impracticable may be more appropriate when discussing practical or logistical problems.
Overall, while the rules for using infeasible and impracticable are generally consistent, it’s important to be aware of these exceptions and to use these words appropriately in the specific context in which they are being used.
Practice Exercises
To help readers improve their understanding and use of infeasible and impracticable in sentences, it is important to offer practice exercises. These exercises will not only help readers differentiate between these two terms, but also help them understand how to use them correctly in different contexts.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct word: infeasible or impracticable.
- It is ____________ to expect a single person to complete this task in one day.
- The proposed plan is ____________ due to lack of resources.
- The idea of building a bridge over the ocean seems ____________.
- The company decided to abandon the project as it was ____________.
Answer Key:
- infeasible
- impracticable
- infeasible
- impracticable
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The plan to build a skyscraper without proper safety measures is ____________.
- The idea of hosting a marathon in the middle of a busy city is ____________.
- The proposed budget for the project is ____________.
Answer Key:
- impracticable
- infeasible
- infeasible
By completing these exercises, readers will be able to differentiate between infeasible and impracticable and use them correctly in their writing and speech.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between infeasible and impracticable, it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable and have distinct meanings. Infeasible refers to something that is impossible to achieve due to external constraints, while impracticable refers to something that is not practical or feasible due to internal limitations.
It is important to use these words correctly in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion. In professional settings, such as business or legal writing, using the wrong word could lead to serious misunderstandings and even legal disputes.
Key Takeaways
- Infeasible and impracticable are not interchangeable and have distinct meanings.
- Infeasible refers to something that is impossible to achieve due to external constraints.
- Impracticable refers to something that is not practical or feasible due to internal limitations.
- Using these words correctly is important in professional settings to avoid misunderstandings and legal disputes.
Overall, understanding the nuances of language and grammar is crucial for effective communication. By continuing to learn and improve our language use, we can better convey our ideas and avoid confusion.
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.