barely feasible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely feasible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is only just possible or achievable, often with significant difficulty or limitations. Example: "The project is barely feasible given the current budget constraints and tight deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We watch farmers in Sichuan Province hand-pollinate their pear trees, a process that is so time consuming and costly that it is barely feasible.

The New York Times - Arts

Trump wants to accelerate domestic oil, coal and gas production to achieve "complete American energy independence" but this goal is contradictory and barely feasible given the unfavorable economics facing coal and oil in particular.

The Guardian

He pours on the melodrama from the start, and if "melodramatic" could just as well describe the first two Bat albums, the difference here is that the hysteria is notched up to a barely feasible degree.

The Guardian - Music

In a county where housing prices refuse to dip below the stratosphere, in a place where sprawl is spreading to the outermost edges of the region, to the barely feasible limits of car and rail commuting, the answer would appear to be to build sensibly and more densely in existing downtowns, like Larchmont's.

The New York Times

Because some pilot data in Japan suggested that administration of 12 weeks of the CODE chemotherapy was barely feasible, subsequent Japanese trials used a modified schedule, which was shortened to 9 weeks (Fukuoka et al, 1997; Furuse et al, 1998).

British Journal of Cancer

Because of the pilot data in Japan that had suggested that administration of 12 weeks of CODE chemotherapy was barely feasible, subsequent Japanese trials used a modified schedule that was shortened to 9 weeks (Fukuoka et al, 1997; Furuse et al, 1998).

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

What followed barely seemed feasible, McIlroy trapping a horrible six-iron right and into the water hazard.

The Guardian - Sport

For example, it barely seems feasible that Kutcher and Bieber could be as spectacularly woeful as Robert Carlyle and the kilt-wearing version of Samuel L Jackson in The 51st State.

The Guardian - Film

It's just not feasible.

The Guardian

"How feasible it is... just the script really," he continues in his habitual, barely-see-his-lips-move mutter, "how it's gonna work".

Independent

Local taxes and fees barely cover Harrisburg's $56 million annual budget, leaving no feasible way to pay the roughly $51 million in interest and principal it will owe by the end of this year.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barely feasible" to express that something is possible, but with significant challenges or limitations. Ensure that the context reflects the difficulty involved in achieving the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "barely feasible" when the situation is clearly impossible or highly unlikely. It should describe situations with a genuine, albeit slim, chance of success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely feasible" functions as a qualifier, specifically modifying the adjective "feasible". It indicates the degree to which something is possible or achievable, suggesting it's at the very limit of possibility. According to Ludwig's examples, it's used to describe situations where success is uncertain or requires significant effort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barely feasible" is a phrase used to describe situations that are possible, but with significant limitations or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It typically appears in news, scientific, and business contexts. The phrase implies that success is not guaranteed and that careful planning is essential. When using this phrase, avoid exaggerating the level of possibility and be mindful of the effort and obstacles involved. Consider alternatives like "hardly achievable" or "scarcely possible" to fine-tune the meaning. Remember it is important to understand all the nuances of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly achievable

Implies a slightly lower probability of success compared to "barely feasible".

scarcely possible

Emphasizes the difficulty and improbability of something happening.

just about doable

More informal and suggests a narrow margin of possibility.

marginally attainable

Focuses on the attainment aspect, implying that the goal is barely within reach.

within a whisker of impossibility

Highlights the extreme closeness to being impossible.

on the edge of possibility

Suggests a precarious situation where success is uncertain.

almost unachievable

Directly conveys the high level of difficulty.

borderline viable

Indicates that something barely meets the requirements for viability.

laboriously possible

Highlights the effort required to make something possible.

tenuously feasible

Implies that the feasibility is weak or uncertain.

FAQs

How can I use "barely feasible" in a sentence?

You can use "barely feasible" to describe plans, projects, or ideas that are possible, but with considerable difficulty or limitations. For example: "The project is barely feasible with the current budget."

What are some alternatives to "barely feasible"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hardly achievable", "scarcely possible", or "just about doable", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "barely feasible" the same as "not feasible"?

No, "barely feasible" means something is possible but difficult, while "not feasible" means it is impossible. "Barely feasible" implies a slim chance of success, whereas /s/not+feasible indicates no chance at all.

When is it appropriate to use "barely feasible" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge that something is technically possible, but only just, and likely to require significant effort or face considerable obstacles.