Feasible

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈfiːzəbl/

Definitions

1. Feasible (adjective): Capable of being done, achieved, or carried out; possible with the available resources, time, and conditions.
2. Feasible (adjective): Likely to succeed or be effective in the given situation.

Usage Examples

• The project seems feasible given the current budget and timeline.
• It's not feasible to complete the construction work before the deadline.
• The proposal for a new product line was deemed feasible after extensive market research.
• We need to assess if this idea is feasible before moving forward with the plan.

Etymology

The word "feasible" comes from the Latin word "facilis," meaning "easy to do," derived from "facere" meaning "to make or do." The term was adopted into Old French as "faisable" and then into English in the late 16th century to describe something that could be accomplished or achieved with ease. The concept of feasibility has evolved in modern usage, especially in business and project management, where it refers to the practicality and likelihood of success in completing a proposed task or project.

Synonyms

• Possible
• Achievable
• Practical
• Realistic
• Viable

Antonyms

• Impossible
• Unfeasible
• Unrealistic
• Unachievable
• Impractical

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "feasible" generally remains consistent across English dialects, though regional accents may alter the vowel sounds slightly. For instance, in some British accents, the "ea" in "feasible" may be pronounced with a shorter "e" sound, while American English tends to use a more elongated vowel sound. Despite these minor differences, the meaning remains universally understood across dialects.

Historical Usage

The term "feasible" has been used in the English language since the late 16th century, derived from the Latin word "facilis." It initially described tasks or activities that could be easily completed or done, but over time, it became associated with the practical or realistic potential for success, particularly in business and planning contexts. The use of "feasible" in the sense of assessing a project's viability became especially important with the rise of industrial and technological advancements in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, the interpretation of what is "feasible" can vary based on resources, societal values, and risk tolerance. In some countries, where innovation and entrepreneurship are heavily encouraged, "feasible" may imply a sense of boldness or creativity in taking risks. In other cultures, especially those with a strong focus on stability and security, "feasible" may lean more toward practical solutions with a lower risk of failure. This cultural variance influences how feasibility is assessed and the types of projects that are deemed worthwhile to pursue.

More Information

The concept of feasibility is critical in many fields, including business, engineering, and technology. A feasibility study is often conducted to assess the practicality of a proposed project, taking into account various factors such as cost, resources, time constraints, and potential risks. In this sense, the term "feasible" is not just about what is possible, but what is practical given the existing limitations and requirements. Feasibility studies are commonly used in industries such as construction, healthcare, IT, and manufacturing to ensure that large-scale initiatives are well-planned and have a higher chance of success.