Impossible vs. Infeasible: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on November 29, 2023
Impossible refers to something that cannot happen or be done, whereas infeasible suggests impracticality or difficulty in accomplishment within current means.
Key Differences
Impossible denotes a state where something cannot occur or be achieved under any circumstances, based on laws of nature or logic. In contrast, infeasible implies that while theoretically possible, something is not practical or viable due to existing constraints.
The term 'impossible' is absolute, indicating a zero probability of occurrence. Infeasible, however, indicates a high level of difficulty or impracticality, often due to limitations in resources, technology, or timing.
When something is described as impossible, it is understood as permanently unattainable. Infeasibility, however, often has a conditional or temporal aspect, suggesting that under different conditions, the task might become feasible.
Impossible is often used in a hyperbolic sense to express extreme skepticism or disbelief. Infeasible, on the other hand, is used in more realistic contexts, often in planning or analysis scenarios.
The impossibility of an event or task usually does not change with technological or scientific advancements. Infeasibility, conversely, can shift over time with changes in technology, resources, or circumstances.
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Comparison Chart
Nature of Limitation
Fundamental, based on laws of nature or logical contradictions.
Practical, based on current resources, technology, or circumstances.
Permanence
Typically permanent and unchanging.
Often temporary, subject to change with conditions.
Scope of Usage
Absolute, denoting zero probability.
Conditional, suggesting high difficulty or impracticality.
Contextual Flexibility
Inflexible, as it denotes an unalterable state.
Flexible, as feasibility can change over time.
Implication for Effort
No effort can change the status.
Effort may change status if conditions improve.
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Impossible and Infeasible Definitions
Impossible
A hyperbolic way to express extreme difficulty.
Solving this puzzle in one minute seems impossible.
Infeasible
Not practical or convenient to do or achieve.
Constructing a bridge here is infeasible due to environmental constraints.
Impossible
Not able to occur, exist, or be done.
Flying unaided by technology is impossible for humans.
Infeasible
Not sensible or realistic in the current context.
Hiring 100 new employees this month is infeasible for a small business.
Impossible
Incapable of being true or happening.
A square circle is an impossible shape.
Infeasible
Impractical due to excessive cost or complexity.
Implementing this plan is infeasible given our limited budget.
Impossible
Unattainable within the realm of current understanding or laws.
Traveling faster than light is currently impossible.
Infeasible
Unlikely to be accomplished within existing means or conditions.
Completing the project in one week is infeasible.
Impossible
Utterly impractical or unrealistic.
Remembering every word in the dictionary is impossible.
Infeasible
Unachievable under current circumstances or limitations.
Traveling to another galaxy with current technology is infeasible.
Impossible
Incapable of having existence or of occurring.
Infeasible
Not feasible; impracticable.
Impossible
Not capable of being accomplished
An impossible goal.
Infeasible
Not feasible.
Infeasible
Not capable of being done or accomplished; impracticable.
Infeasible
Not capable of being carried out or put into practice;
Refloating the sunken ship proved impracticable because of its fragility
A suggested reform that was unfeasible in the prevailing circumstances
FAQs
How is infeasible different from impossible?
Infeasible implies that something is impractical or difficult within current means, but not absolutely unattainable.
Can the impossible become feasible?
By definition, the impossible cannot become feasible, as it defies fundamental constraints.
Can something be both impossible and infeasible?
If something is impossible, it is inherently infeasible, but not all infeasible things are impossible.
Is infeasibility a permanent state?
No, infeasibility can change with improvements in conditions or resources.
Can scientific advances make the impossible possible?
True impossibilities, based on fundamental principles, remain impossible despite advances.
Are all logical contradictions impossible?
Yes, logical contradictions, by their nature, are impossible.
What does impossible mean?
Impossible refers to something that cannot happen or be achieved under any circumstances.
Does infeasible mean the same as impractical?
Infeasible often aligns with impracticality, but emphasizes the difficulty in accomplishment more.
Can something be infeasible in one context but feasible in another?
Yes, feasibility can vary depending on the specific context or conditions.
Is infeasibility always due to lack of resources?
Lack of resources is a common reason, but infeasibility can also stem from technological, timing, or practical constraints.
Is teleportation impossible or infeasible?
Currently, it is considered impossible due to fundamental physical laws.
Can a task be infeasible due to legal constraints?
Yes, legal restrictions can render a task infeasible.
Are perpetual motion machines impossible?
Yes, they are impossible as they violate the laws of thermodynamics.
Does impossible always mean forever?
In the context of fundamental principles or logical impossibilities, yes.
Is time travel impossible or infeasible?
Currently, it is considered impossible based on our understanding of physics.
Can changing technology render an infeasible task feasible?
Yes, technological advancements can turn infeasible tasks into feasible ones.
Can a task be temporarily infeasible?
Yes, a task can be infeasible under current conditions but may become feasible later.
Can budget constraints make a project infeasible?
Yes, budget limitations are a common reason for infeasibility.
Is invisibility impossible?
Complete invisibility as depicted in fiction is currently impossible.
Can infeasibility be a matter of opinion?
While subjective factors can influence perceptions of feasibility, it often involves objective constraints.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
