feasibility
C1Formal / Academic / Business
Definition
Meaning
The quality or state of being possible, practical, and able to be done successfully.
The assessment of whether something is practical, achievable, and likely to work, often based on an analysis of resources, constraints, and circumstances.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in contexts involving planning, projects, and proposals. Implies a consideration of practical factors and constraints, not just theoretical possibility. Strongly associated with systematic evaluation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Usage is identical across both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties strongly associate the term with formal analysis, project management, and technical/business planning.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American business/technical writing due to a higher prevalence of structured project management methodologies, but the difference is negligible.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[determine/assess/investigate] the feasibility of [NP/V-ing][NP] demonstrates/showcases/confirms feasibilityThe feasibility of [NP] is [questionable/assured]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A feasibility study”
- “A question of feasibility”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Crucial for project initiation. Example: 'The board requested a full feasibility study before approving the capital expenditure.'
Academic
Used in research design and methodology. Example: 'The preliminary research was designed to test the feasibility of the proposed experimental protocol.'
Everyday
Less common, but used when discussing plans. Example: 'We're looking into the feasibility of converting the loft into an extra bedroom.'
Technical
Central in engineering, software development, and planning. Example: 'The engineers are analysing the technical feasibility of the bridge design under high wind loads.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team will feasibility-check the proposal before the meeting.
- They are tasked with feasibilitising the new process.
American English
- We need to feasibility-test the concept.
- The department will feasibility-assess the merger plan.
adverb
British English
- The plan was feasibility reviewed last quarter.
- The proposal was deemed feasibility sound.
American English
- The project was judged feasibility questionable.
- The idea is feasibility tested in the lab.
adjective
British English
- They submitted a feasibility report to the council.
- A feasibility assessment is the first step.
American English
- She is leading the feasibility analysis.
- We are in the feasibility phase of the project.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We need to check the feasibility of our holiday plans.
- The manager will look at the feasibility of the idea.
- Before we commit, a proper study must be conducted to determine the project's financial feasibility.
- The initial results cast doubt on the technical feasibility of the design.
- The consultancy was commissioned to produce a comprehensive feasibility report, analysing economic, social, and environmental factors.
- The sheer scale of the engineering challenges rendered the proposal's long-term feasibility highly questionable.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FEASibility: Can it be done with EASE? If so, it's FEASible.
Conceptual Metaphor
FEASIBILITY IS A BRIDGE (it connects an idea to a real-world outcome); FEASIBILITY IS A MEASURABLE QUANTITY (something you assess, calculate, or determine).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'возможность' (possibility). 'Feasibility' is more specific, implying practical, not just theoretical, possibility. Use 'целесообразность', 'реализуемость', or 'практическая возможность'.
- Do not confuse with 'вероятность' (probability/likelihood). Feasibility is about capability, not chance.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'possibility' interchangeably (e.g., 'The possibility of the project is high' – incorrect; should be 'feasibility').
- Misspelling as 'feasability'.
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'chance' or 'practicality' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'feasibility' used MOST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Possibility' refers to something that can happen, theoretically, without considering practical constraints. 'Feasibility' specifically means something is not only possible but also practical, achievable, and viable given the real-world resources, time, and circumstances.
Yes, it is primarily used in formal, academic, business, and technical contexts. In everyday conversation, people might use simpler terms like 'practicality', 'whether it can work', or 'if it's doable'.
A 'feasibility study' is a formal, detailed analysis conducted to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a proposed project or plan. Its goal is to objectively determine its likelihood of success before significant resources are committed.
The adjective form is 'feasible'. Example: 'The plan seems feasible with our current budget.'
Collections
Part of a collection
Advanced Business English
C1 · 43 words · Sophisticated language for business and finance.