Impossible vs. Infeasible — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 16, 2024
Impossible means something cannot be done under any circumstances, while infeasible means something is not practical or achievable with current resources or conditions.
Difference Between Impossible and Infeasible
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Impossible refers to something that cannot happen or be achieved under any circumstances. It denotes an absolute state where the task or goal is beyond the realm of possibility, no matter the conditions or efforts applied. Infeasible, on the other hand, describes something that is not practical or achievable given current resources, conditions, or constraints. It implies that while the task is theoretically possible, it cannot be accomplished due to limitations such as time, cost, or technology.
Impossible suggests a definitive and unchanging barrier, whereas infeasible implies a situational or temporary barrier that might be overcome with changes in circumstances. For instance, creating perpetual motion is impossible due to the laws of thermodynamics, but developing a cure for a complex disease might be infeasible now, though it could become feasible with scientific advancements.
When something is impossible, no amount of effort or innovation can make it happen. In contrast, infeasible tasks might become feasible if conditions change, such as advances in technology, increased funding, or extended timelines. For example, teleportation is impossible based on our current understanding of physics, but creating a completely renewable energy grid might be infeasible now but possible in the future.
Impossible denotes an absolute impossibility, while infeasible suggests a current impracticality that might change with different conditions or resources.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Cannot be done under any circumstances
Not practical or achievable with current resources
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Nature
Absolute, unchangeable
Situational, potentially changeable
Example
Traveling faster than light
Building a space colony on Mars
Overcoming
No effort can make it happen
Can be overcome with changes in conditions
Implication
Definitive barrier
Temporary or conditional barrier
Compare with Definitions
Impossible
Unable to be accomplished, regardless of effort or means.
It's impossible to be in two places at once.
Infeasible
Not practical or workable within current conditions.
Building a bridge in that location is infeasible due to the terrain.
Impossible
Beyond the bounds of possibility.
Flying unaided by machines is impossible for humans.
Infeasible
Difficult to implement due to situational constraints.
Due to lack of staff, completing the task on time is infeasible.
Impossible
Utterly impractical or unrealistic.
Expecting to finish the marathon in under an hour is impossible.
Infeasible
Not likely to succeed or be accomplished.
The proposed plan was deemed infeasible by the committee.
Impossible
Not able to occur, exist, or be done
It was almost impossible to keep up with him
A seemingly impossible task
Infeasible
Requiring more effort or resources than are available.
Automating the entire process is infeasible with our current technology.
Impossible
Incapable of having existence or of occurring.
Infeasible
Not achievable with available resources or methods.
Launching the project this year is infeasible given our budget constraints.
Impossible
Not capable of being accomplished
An impossible goal.
Infeasible
Not feasible; impracticable.
Impossible
Unacceptable; intolerable
Impossible behavior.
Infeasible
Not feasible.
Impossible
Extremely difficult to deal with or tolerate
An impossible child.
An impossible situation.
Infeasible
Not capable of being done or accomplished; impracticable.
Impossible
Not possible; not able to be done or happen.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to memorize 20,000 consecutive numbers.
Sarah thinks that nothing is impossible because things can always somehow happen.
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
Impossible
Very difficult to deal with.
You never listen to a word I say – you're impossible!
Impossible
Imaginary
Impossible quantities, or imaginary numbers
Impossible
An impossibility.
Impossible
A skateboard trick consisting of a backflip performed in midair.
Impossible
Not possible; incapable of being done, of existing, etc.; unattainable in the nature of things, or by means at command; insuperably difficult under the circumstances; absurd or impracticable; not feasible.
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Without faith it is impossible to please him.
Impossible
An impossibility; as, he tried to do the impossible.
"Madam," quoth he, "this were an impossible!"
Impossible
Something that cannot be done;
His assignment verged on the impossible
Impossible
Not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with;
An impossible dream
An impossible situation
Impossible
Totally unlikely
Impossible
Used of persons or their behavior;
Impossible behavior
Insufferable insolence
Impossible
Not able to occur or be done.
It's impossible to divide by zero in mathematics.
Impossible
Not capable of happening under any circumstances.
It's impossible to reverse time.
Common Curiosities
Can impossible be subjective?
No, impossible is an objective term meaning it cannot be done under any circumstances.
Can something be both impossible and infeasible?
Yes, if a task is inherently impossible, it is also infeasible, but not all infeasible tasks are impossible.
Can infeasible be subjective?
Yes, infeasibility can be subjective, depending on available resources and specific conditions.
Can infeasible tasks become feasible?
Yes, infeasible tasks might become feasible with changes in resources, technology, or conditions.
What is the main difference between impossible and infeasible?
Impossible means it cannot be done under any circumstances, while infeasible means it is not practical or achievable with current resources or conditions.
Is impossible always a permanent state?
Yes, impossible denotes an absolute and unchangeable condition.
Does impossible imply a physical or logical barrier?
Yes, impossible implies a definitive physical or logical barrier that cannot be overcome.
Does infeasible imply a practical or situational barrier?
Yes, infeasible implies a practical or situational barrier that might be temporary.
Is building a space colony on Mars impossible or infeasible?
Building a space colony on Mars is infeasible with current technology and resources.
Are there contexts where impossible and infeasible overlap?
They overlap when a task is inherently impossible, making it infeasible as well.
Is traveling faster than light impossible or infeasible?
Traveling faster than light is impossible according to current physical laws.
How does technology impact the feasibility of a task?
Advances in technology can make previously infeasible tasks feasible.
Can financial resources change infeasibility to feasibility?
Yes, increased financial resources can help overcome practical barriers.
Can infeasible tasks be planned for future feasibility?
Yes, tasks deemed infeasible now can be planned with the hope that future advancements will make them feasible.
Does impossible ever become feasible?
No, if something is truly impossible, it will never become feasible.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
