Have you ever been confused about whether to use infeasible or unfeasible in your writing? These two words are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between them that can affect the meaning of your sentence. In this article, we will explore the definitions of infeasible and unfeasible and when to use each one.
We should clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use. Infeasible and unfeasible are both correct words, but they are used in different contexts. Infeasible is the more commonly used word and is often used to describe something that is impossible to achieve or implement. On the other hand, unfeasible is used to describe something that is impractical or unlikely to succeed.
It’s important to note that the subtle difference in meaning between these two words can have a significant impact on your writing. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misinterpretation of your message. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the definitions of infeasible and unfeasible and use them appropriately.
Now that we have a clear understanding of the difference between infeasible and unfeasible, let’s explore some examples of how to use each word in context.
Define Infeasible
Infeasible is an adjective that describes something that is impossible to achieve or implement due to practical or technical limitations. It is used to describe a situation, plan, or idea that cannot be carried out successfully or is not feasible in practice.
For example, a project that requires a budget that exceeds the available funds is considered infeasible. Similarly, a plan that involves technology that does not exist yet is also infeasible.
It is important to note that infeasible is not the same as impossible. While infeasible refers to something that is impractical or unworkable, impossible refers to something that cannot be done under any circumstances.
Define Unfeasible
Unfeasible is an adjective that is used to describe something that is not feasible or practical. It is often used interchangeably with infeasible, but there is a subtle difference between the two terms.
Unfeasible refers to something that is not feasible due to external factors, such as legal, social, or environmental constraints. For example, a construction project that violates zoning laws is considered unfeasible. Similarly, a plan that would harm the environment is also unfeasible.
On the other hand, infeasible refers to something that is not feasible due to internal factors, such as technical or financial limitations. For example, a project that requires a technology that does not exist yet is considered infeasible.
In summary, while the two terms are often used interchangeably, unfeasible refers to external constraints that make something impractical, while infeasible refers to internal constraints that make something unworkable.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the correct word is paramount. Infeasible and unfeasible are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. In this section, we will explore how to use these words correctly in a sentence.
How To Use Infeasible In A Sentence
Infeasible is an adjective that describes something that is impossible to achieve or impractical to carry out. It is often used to describe a plan or idea that is not viable due to various constraints. Here are some examples of how to use infeasible in a sentence:
- Due to budget constraints, it is infeasible to launch a new product this quarter.
- It is infeasible to drive from New York to Los Angeles in one day.
- The proposed project is infeasible due to the lack of resources.
In each of these examples, infeasible is used to describe a situation that is impossible or impractical to achieve. It is important to note that infeasible should not be used to describe something that is merely difficult or challenging.
How To Use Unfeasible In A Sentence
Unfeasible is also an adjective, but it has a slightly different meaning than infeasible. Unfeasible describes something that is not feasible or practical, but it is not necessarily impossible. Here are some examples of how to use unfeasible in a sentence:
- It is unfeasible to complete this project without additional resources.
- The proposed solution is unfeasible due to the time constraints.
- It is unfeasible to expect employees to work 80 hours a week.
In each of these examples, unfeasible is used to describe something that is not feasible or practical, but it is not necessarily impossible. It is important to note that unfeasible should not be used to describe something that is simply difficult or challenging, as that would be better described as “difficult” or “challenging”.
More Examples Of Infeasible & Unfeasible Used In Sentences
As we have seen, the words infeasible and unfeasible are often used interchangeably, but they do have slightly different meanings. Here are some more examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Infeasible In A Sentence
- It is infeasible to complete this project within the given timeframe.
- Building a house on this rocky terrain would be infeasible.
- It is infeasible to expect everyone to agree on this issue.
- Due to the lack of funding, the proposed plan is infeasible.
- It is infeasible to travel to the moon without the necessary technology.
- Trying to convince her to change her mind is infeasible.
- It is infeasible to expect a child to understand complex concepts.
- Implementing this policy would be infeasible due to legal restrictions.
- It is infeasible to believe that one person can solve all the world’s problems.
- Trying to fit all of our belongings into a small car is infeasible.
Examples Of Using Unfeasible In A Sentence
- It is unfeasible to expect a 90-year-old to run a marathon.
- Due to the harsh weather conditions, it is unfeasible to hold the event outdoors.
- It is unfeasible to build a skyscraper on this unstable ground.
- Trying to finish this project in one day is unfeasible.
- It is unfeasible to expect a high school student to have the same level of knowledge as a college graduate.
- Due to the limited resources, it is unfeasible to provide every student with their own laptop.
- It is unfeasible to expect a novice to perform the task as well as an expert.
- Trying to convince him to change his mind is unfeasible.
- It is unfeasible to believe that we can solve this problem without the help of others.
- Due to the complexity of the issue, finding a simple solution is unfeasible.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using infeasible and unfeasible, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using Infeasible And Unfeasible As Synonyms
While infeasible and unfeasible may seem interchangeable, they actually have different meanings. Infeasible means something is not possible or practical to do, while unfeasible means something is not likely to succeed or be accomplished.
| Infeasible | Unfeasible |
|---|---|
| A project is infeasible due to lack of funding. | It is unfeasible to expect a small team to complete the project on time. |
| It is infeasible to build a skyscraper on this small plot of land. | The proposed plan is unfeasible due to its high cost. |
2. Using Infeasible And Unfeasible To Describe The Same Thing
Another common mistake is using both infeasible and unfeasible to describe the same thing. This is redundant and can make your writing appear unprofessional.
For example, saying “The project is both infeasible and unfeasible” is redundant. Instead, choose one word that best describes the situation.
3. Using Infeasible And Unfeasible Incorrectly In Context
Using infeasible and unfeasible incorrectly in context can also lead to confusion. For example, saying “The project is infeasible to complete on time” is incorrect because infeasible refers to something that is not possible or practical to do, not something that is difficult to accomplish within a certain timeframe.
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the definitions of infeasible and unfeasible and use them appropriately. If you’re unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus for guidance.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words infeasible and unfeasible can be a matter of context. The two words are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can affect the message being conveyed.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between infeasible and unfeasible might change:
| Context | Explanation | Word Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | A project is being designed and the team is assessing the feasibility of different options. | Infeasible |
| Business | A company is considering a new product launch and analyzing the market potential. | Unfeasible |
| Politics | A politician is proposing a new policy that would require significant funding. | Infeasible |
| Personal | An individual is setting goals for themselves and assessing what is achievable. | Unfeasible |
As the examples show, the choice between infeasible and unfeasible can depend on the specific context in which they are being used. In general, infeasible is often used in technical or engineering contexts to describe a project or plan that is not practical or possible to execute. Unfeasible, on the other hand, is often used in more general contexts to describe something that is not feasible or practical, but not necessarily impossible.
It is important to consider the context when choosing between these two words to ensure that the intended meaning is accurately conveyed.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using infeasible and unfeasible are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions that are worth noting. In certain contexts, the rules may not apply, and it’s important to understand these exceptions to avoid confusion.
Exceptions For Infeasible
One exception to the rule for using infeasible is in the field of engineering. In this context, infeasible is often used to describe a project or design that is technically possible but not practical or cost-effective to implement. For example, a proposed bridge design may be deemed infeasible due to the high cost of materials required to build it, even though the design itself is technically sound.
Another exception is in the context of computer science and programming. Infeasible is often used to describe a problem or algorithm that is theoretically solvable, but not within a reasonable amount of time or computational resources. For example, a certain algorithm may be deemed infeasible to implement on a standard desktop computer due to the sheer number of calculations required.
Exceptions For Unfeasible
One exception to the rule for using unfeasible is in the context of business and finance. Unfeasible is often used to describe a project or investment that is not financially viable or likely to generate a return on investment. For example, a proposed business venture may be deemed unfeasible due to a lack of market demand or high overhead costs.
Another exception is in the context of politics and policy-making. Unfeasible is often used to describe a proposal or policy that is not politically practical or likely to gain support from key stakeholders. For example, a proposed policy to abolish a popular social program may be deemed unfeasible due to public opposition and political backlash.
| Context | Exception | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Infeasible | Technically possible but not practical or cost-effective to implement | A proposed bridge design that is too expensive to build |
| Computer Science | Infeasible | Theoretically solvable but not within a reasonable amount of time or computational resources | An algorithm that requires too many calculations to be implemented on a standard desktop computer |
| Business | Unfeasible | Not financially viable or likely to generate a return on investment | A proposed business venture with a lack of market demand or high overhead costs |
| Politics | Unfeasible | Not politically practical or likely to gain support from key stakeholders | A proposed policy to abolish a popular social program with public opposition and political backlash |
Practice Exercises
Now that we have explored the difference between infeasible and unfeasible, it is time to put our knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences. Make sure to read each question carefully and select the correct word.
Exercise 1:
_____ to complete the project within the given timeline, the team had to work overtime for several weeks.
- infeasible
- unfeasible
Answer: infeasible
Explanation: In this sentence, we are talking about the team’s ability to complete the project within the given timeline. Since they had to work overtime for several weeks, it means that completing the project within the given timeline was not possible or infeasible.
Exercise 2:
It is _____ to expect a newborn baby to sleep through the night without waking up for feedings.
- infeasible
- unfeasible
Answer: unfeasible
Explanation: In this sentence, we are talking about the expectation of a newborn baby sleeping through the night without waking up for feedings. Since this is a natural and necessary behavior for newborns, it means that expecting them to sleep through the night without waking up for feedings is not practical or unfeasible.
Exercise 3:
The company deemed the project _____ due to lack of funding.
- infeasible
- unfeasible
Answer: infeasible
Explanation: In this sentence, we are talking about the company’s decision to deem the project infeasible. This means that the lack of funding made it impossible to complete the project successfully within the given constraints.
Exercise 4:
The team brainstormed several ideas but found most of them to be _____.
- infeasible
- unfeasible
Answer: unfeasible
Explanation: In this sentence, we are talking about the team’s ideas and their feasibility. Since most of the ideas were not practical or realistic, it means that they were unfeasible.
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of infeasible and unfeasible in sentences. Remember to always consider the context of the sentence and the meaning of each word when making your selection.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between infeasible and unfeasible, it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. Infeasible refers to something that is impossible to achieve or implement, while unfeasible refers to something that is impractical or unlikely to succeed.
It is important to use these words correctly in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. Using the wrong word can change the meaning of a sentence entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Infeasible means impossible to achieve or implement.
- Unfeasible means impractical or unlikely to succeed.
- Using the wrong word can change the meaning of a sentence entirely.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes.
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.