infeasible

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “infeasible” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe ideas or activities that are not possible or cannot be done. For example, “The project was deemed infeasible due to its complexity and high cost.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A beginner's guide to the privacy tool "Computer experts argue that any legislative attempt to preclude THS from being available in the UK over Tor would be technologically infeasible," Post states.

The Guardian - Tech

But the security industry is adamant that such back doors are technologically infeasible.

The Guardian - Tech

He writes, "The United States [he means the U.S. government] needs a money machine".Mr Henderson contends that Mr Bartlett fails to justify the spending to be financed by the VAT money machine, and suggests that if it's indeed politically infeasible to rein in spending, it might be better for the government to shaft its creditors by defaulting on its debt rather than bleeding taxpayers with a VAT.

The Economist

There seems to be little alternative since large cuts to social spending are for now politically infeasible.

The Economist

I shrugged off Ricardo Caballero's plan to guarantee the price of equity five years from now not because it didn't make sense it does but because it struck me as completely infeasible on multiple levels.

The Economist

The ubiquitous nature of energy generation and use and the diversity of CO2 sources in a modern economy mean that conventional technology and performance standards would be infeasible and in any event excessively costly (Newell and Stavins 2003)."The problem with this picture is passed along by Dave Roberts at Grist.

The Economist

But if the debt goals for 2020 and beyond are to be met that surplus must rise to 4.5% of GDP by 2016 and be sustained at 4% in the 2020s.That is not wholly infeasible: Belgium managed to run an average primary surplus of 4.3% of GDP between 1987 and 2008.

The Economist

It's not clear when the last time the entry for "infeasible" was updated (I'm using OED.com), but "infeasible" is not "now rare".

The Economist

And I must be a pretty can-do fellow, since I have used neither "unfeasible" nor "infeasible" in the many thousands of e-mails stored in both my work and personal accounts.

The Economist

But both my Chambers (British) and American Heritage College dictionaries list only "infeasible", with no warning label.

The Economist

Going back a bit, H.W. Fowler didn't like "feasible" in the first place (considering it needlessly fancy in his 1926 "Modern English Usaage"), but the Concise Oxford Dictionary (1911) that he co-edited lists "unfeasible" (not "infeasible").So experts disagree and for once, the OED seems to be wrong.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "infeasible" to describe plans, projects, or ideas that cannot be realistically carried out due to practical limitations or constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "infeasible" when you mean something is a bad idea but still possible. "Infeasible" means it cannot be done, while "inadvisable" means it should not be done.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "infeasible" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing something as not capable of being done or achieved due to practical or logical reasons. Ludwig shows it's commonly used to qualify plans, ideas, or solutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "infeasible" is a versatile adjective used to describe something impossible or impractical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various domains, especially in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While synonyms like "unworkable" and "unattainable" exist, "infeasible" often carries a slightly more formal tone. When writing, remember that "infeasible" indicates an impossibility, distinct from something merely "inadvisable". Understanding this nuance ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not feasible

A direct synonym, but with slightly different emphasis.

not viable

Indicates something cannot succeed or sustain itself.

not practical

Focuses on the lack of usefulness or suitability for a particular situation.

impossible to achieve

Highlights the inability to reach a desired outcome.

out of the question

Suggests something is not allowed or considered.

unrealistic

Emphasizes the lack of connection to reality or feasibility.

not workable

Focuses on the inability of something to function effectively.

beyond reach

Implies something is unattainable or inaccessible.

unachievable

Highlights the inability to accomplish or attain something.

unlikely to succeed

Focuses on the low probability of a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "infeasible" in a sentence?

Use "infeasible" to describe something that is not capable of being done or carried out. For example, "Building a bridge to the moon is currently "infeasible"."

What's a synonym for "infeasible"?

Alternatives to "infeasible" include "unworkable", "impracticable", or "unattainable", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "infeasible" or "unfeasible"?

Both "infeasible" and "unfeasible" are valid, but "infeasible" is more common and generally preferred in modern English. "Unfeasible" is considered by some to be dated.

What makes a plan "infeasible"?

A plan is considered "infeasible" when it faces insurmountable obstacles, such as lack of resources, technological limitations, or prohibitive costs, making its successful execution impossible.