not doable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not doable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is impossible or cannot be accomplished. Example: "Given the current resources and time constraints, this project is simply not doable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's simply not doable.

The New York Times

That's not doable.

The Guardian - Tech

It is not doable.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it's not doable.

The Guardian - Books

"It simply is not doable".

The New Yorker

But it was not doable".

The New York Times

Because otherwise it's not doable".

The New York Times

"I've reached the conclusion that it's not doable".

The New Yorker

It's simply not doable logistically any more," Hillenbrand said.

The Guardian

That's not to say it is not doable, in time.

The Guardian - Opinion

"For months I thought it was not doable, but I was obsessed," Mr. Russo had said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not doable", ensure the context clearly explains why something is impossible or impractical. Providing specific reasons strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "not doable" as a dismissive statement without providing supporting reasons. Always explain the constraints or limitations that make something unachievable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not doable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something as impossible or impractical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not doable" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that something is impossible or impractical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. While generally acceptable, it's considered relatively informal, and more formal alternatives like "not feasible" or "not achievable" might be preferred in certain settings. When using "not doable", it's best practice to provide context and justification to avoid appearing dismissive. Keep in mind that "not doable" is best suited to contexts where you need to express an idea with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not feasible

Replaces "doable" with "feasible", indicating practicality or possibility.

not practical

Substitutes "doable" with "practical", focusing on the real-world applicability of something.

not viable

Emphasizes the sustainability and workability of a plan or option.

not achievable

Highlights the impossibility of reaching a particular goal or outcome.

not attainable

Similar to "not achievable", but stresses the difficulty of obtaining something.

out of the question

Indicates that something is completely unacceptable or impossible.

simply impossible

Uses stronger wording for something that is undoubtedly not possible

cannot be done

Expresses the inability to complete a task or action.

beyond the realm of possibility

Indicates something is not possible, achievable, or likely to happen.

unrealistic

Describes something impractical or unlikely to happen in the current conditions.

FAQs

What does "not doable" mean?

The phrase "not doable" means something is impossible or impractical to achieve. It suggests that a task, project, or goal cannot be accomplished due to various constraints or limitations.

How can I use "not doable" in a sentence?

You can use "not doable" to describe tasks or plans that are impossible to execute. For example: "Given the budget cuts, the expansion project is "not doable"."

What are some alternatives to "not doable"?

Alternatives include "not feasible", "not practical", or "impossible". The choice depends on the specific context.

Is "not doable" formal or informal?

"Not doable" is generally considered informal but is acceptable in many contexts. For more formal situations, consider using alternatives like "not feasible" or "not achievable".